Google
This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project
to make the world's books discoverable online.
It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject
to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books
are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.
Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the
publisher to a library and finally to you.
Usage guidelines
Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:
+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.
+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.
+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.
+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.
About Google Book Search
Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web
at |http: //books .google .com/I
THE
Early Records of Lancaster
&
MASSACHUSETTS.
1643-1725.
EDITED BY
HENRY S. NOURSE, A. M.
The Comisioners apoynted by the genrall Court to order and setle the afaires of Lancaster
being asembled at John Prescots' house September ye eight 1657 . . . doe Judge meet to order and
Conclud as foUoweth Alsoe that the Select men talc spesiall care for the pre»eruing and
safe keeping the townes Records. And If they se it need full, that they procure the same to be
writen out fairly into a new booke, to be keept for the good of posterity. — Lancaster Record*.
LANCASTER:
1884.
:OTE BY THE COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION.
At the adjourned March meeting of the lown of Lancaster, 1883, it
5 voted " to appropriate five iiundred dollars for publishing some of our
riiest town records under the direction of the Library Committee ; to be
red by Henry S. Nourse."
The committee thus authorized to oversee the publication now pre-
ed to the town, must not omit to testify here to their conviction of the
leni ability and fidelity with wiiich iheir associate has completed his
, and of the greatness of the debt under which the town has been
it lo him by tliis, as well as by other labors in l!ie same field. They
ive found that their duty, as aside from his, has devolved ujx>n Ihem
than a careful reading of his manuscript; while the toil, the
■e, and the zeal which the matter in hand demanded, and that have
an spent upon it, have been expended by him :
"And oil (or love, and nothing for reward."
.It ■ may not be useless for ihera to remind the town of some of the
isoue ihai gave rise to llie resolution under which they were appointed.
; these were the risk of destruction by (ire; the wasting material
[ the originals; the desirableness of supplying imperfections, as ^ as
Dsslble, from other sources ; clearing up obscurities by intelligent annola-
m; and such a multiplication of copies as it may reasonably be hoped
d expected will be called for.
They have understood, however, that the work was to be underLiken
irily, not in the interest of the historiographer, but for the use of the
iwni for its more ^miliar acquaintance with, and its surer ]>resen'ation
!^ its own annals. It is from this consideration that the editor has added
ime notes which he would otherwise have withheld. Nevertheless they
« well aware that these ■• Early Records" are not confined for edification
to their own townsmen ; and that any intelligent person of New England
ttrth may not only behold, as with "ancestral eyes," therein " the doings"
t described, but, more or less, the causes also which, from without
IT within, gave the current of events this or that direction ; and see, as in
, mirror, the operation of the forces that in this country " developed local
elf government, anil furnish the basis of our political history."
It gives the committee pleasure, as well for the name as the conven-
ieoce of so doing, to consign the printing of this book to a local press.
Lancaster, March, 1884.
d^
LIBRARY COMMITTEE.
George M. Bartol. William H. McNeil.
Charles T. Fletcher. N.\thaxiel Thayer.
Anna H. Whitxey. Herbert Parker.
Henry S. Nourse.
. « .• - . ■
INTRODUCTION.
FROM the year 1726 the records of Lancaster become
continuous, are complete, and in good condition. All
before that date is fragmentary. The earliest existing vol-
ume opens with A. D. 1653. in which year the Nashaway
Plantation was formally given the classic name it now
bears. The earlier pages of that book, however, are a
copy, made about 1657, of ihe first records. Of "the old
book," often referred to therein, no leaf remains, and many
pages of tlie transcript have disappeared, while others are
badly worn and almost illegible. During the first seventy-
five years of the town's life, Ihe inhabitants nearly all held
proprietary rights in the common lands ; and we find the
clerks recording indiscriminately, often upon the same
pages, action of the freemen as electors, of the proprietors
dividing their landed estate, and of the people directing
local improvement and church administration. After the
settlement of Rev. John Prentice in 1708, special church
records begin, and a register of births, marriages and
deaths dates from about 1718, in which a few earlier dates
have been casually inserted. This register is exceedingly
imperfect. The earliest recorded meeting of the proprie-
tors, as distinct from the town-meeting proper, was Feb.
4, 1716, statute provision having been made for such meet-
ings March 25, 1713- The doings of regular town-meet-
ings continued, however, to be recorded with proprietary
action until ^1726, when a new book was opened for the
former. The proprietors used the old volume until 1810,
about which time the proprietors' clerk made a careless
copy o( the whole, by which we know tliat the records
O INTKOnrCTION.
wou* tiiosi ill iho same impenVo: c.^nvii::o:i .is at present.
The i\>v.r.'.HMi land was all iiividod before 1S36. and their
l.is: !Ov\M\:cJ. r.uvv.nij was held Apnl c, 1S4C.
r':o Ivok v^t' Lands, dated rrcbab'v ir:rz :he davs of
4k • •
• l^t • • • • «
. \ K * ..; ... ».\' .. ill lv.>.. 1..V v«.^. ...'•. •■..— -,.c ..*&^ L/ccn
. » .«. ••-,
«*« * •»»^^".% • •> •• % ••■•••^.••••%» ■♦ •• »k »^ »«• "■•■4 »»• »"«^^ *^ B •
^ \\"» • ••• • •* ■ • • -
. % • • •
• *?*• * • " •
% ^ » % % ..■• « kV* »>>«KW ••« ^^ « * ••^.•••«. ^. mm mm ^> mm W »^ ft ^
^ •• . . .. . ^ •<•..'...•..< •> - ••• I"*- •.■*C * ?<*■?"•<
« %
« « «h-» «i^« .»«^ .. > « . ^ -te.-...* M^
\ : .
A
INTRODUCTION.
will charge — and justly — that the editor has magnified
his office by mulliplying comments of his own, he would
state that, in what he has intruded, he is honestly striving
only to bring into light something heretofore obscured, or
to adduce evidence respecting matters in doubt, or to com-
bat those false impressions about men, localities, and events
which his experience has found unwarranlablj' rampant
among us.
Even though considered — as by too many it will be —
1 merely a list of the Nashaway pioneers, and a schedule of
I their landed possessions, this transcript of our forefathers'
[ records is of especial value : but it has a deeper import.
I It is Lancaster's modest contribution to the story of the
growth of human freedom. The planters of Massachu-
, setts brought with them dogmas of spiritual tjranny, and
old world political formulas, which proved too inelastic
when framed into social and civic institutions, for the gov-
ernment of a restless community facing the deprivation,
I toil, and dangers of the colonist. Struggles with savage
1 men and savage nature compelled self dependence, and
' soil and climate favored liberty of thought and conscience.
As novel external conditions modified daily life and indi-
vidual character, political life progressed, and ever towards
freedom. The process of this progression — so painful and
slow that the actors were perhaps unconscious of advance —
' is nowhere more plainly depicted, and nowhere oflers more
of interest to the student of history, than in the records of
, our older towns. In the "orderly agitations" of the New
England town-meeting was cradled the germ of our na-
I tion's constitutional life.
N E\>/ GR.A NT -S UKVEy, 1711
TOV^N LIMIT5 IS83 _ _ _
V/ADING PLACES X
I
ANNALS
OF ■ THE
NASHAWAY PLANTATION.
1 643- 1 653.
NASHAWAY, or Nashawog, in the Indiau tongue,
means the place between, or land in the angle made by
iwo rivers, and is descriptive of the locality. The pion-
eers soon attached the name exclusively to the south
branch of the river, the other branch being known as the
North River, and the main stream being called the Pene-
cook.
The Symonds and King Trucking House.
Like many another American town, Lancaster finds its
origin in an Indian trading post. Although no contem-
porary mention appears of this, the first mercantile enter-
prise on Lancaster soil, it must have been founded before
the autumn of 1643. Whether it preceded, or was subse-
quent to, the purchase of eighty square miles of land from
Sholan, cannot be told. Both Symonds and King so soon
disappear from the scene that they have been commonly
treated in our history as mere real estate dealers, who sold
their bargain at the first advantageous offer. Is there not
in the scanty facts which follow, heretofore ignored, some-
thing that suggests rather trouble, sickness and disappoint-
ment, than the harvesting of profit?
Henry Symonds, the senior partner and capitalist of the
t
lO ANNALS OF L.\NC.\iTZR.
Nashaway trading house, planted on ie scuieast slope of
George hill, was an eaergeuc cidz^n o:" Bc-^iir:- 2nd a iVee-
man. His name heads :he list cf the s^^cciaies who in
f 1643 contracted to convert the useless marshes of the cove
I into a valuable tidal mill piwer. B;.f:re suv of his well
'. laid plans bore fruit. Symon-ds died. Tl.i^ w:is in Septem-
ber, 1643. H:s widow, Susannah, in it:44 married Isaac
i Walker, which perhaps expl:uns -iie presence of Walker's
I name among the Xashaway proprietors f:r a few years
thereafter. The junior partner. Thomas King, outlived
Symonds little more than a year. c;in ^ Decen:ber 3. 1644.
He was a young man. probably under thirty years of age,
ii\"ith a ^^'i{e Marj- and t^vo young children- Mary and
• Thomas, and lived in Watertown. His invenu:>r\'. found
in the Suffolk Registry-, sums but 1 5 >- 3- including a
dwelling-house, bam. and four acres of land in Watertown,
and 74-'- 7^"- of debts due him. He was therefore a poor
man at his decease, and nothing in the brief list 01 his assets
gives e\-idence of commercial gain at Xashaway. save the
item among the debts due. "iS- of the Indyans." Rever-
end Timothv Harrincrion asserts that Kinsr sold all his
interest here to the company- John Cowdall was soon
after in possession of the trucking house lot, which he sold
to John Prescott, October 5, 1647. King's \%-idow, if
we may trust the record, on March 9, 1645. married James
Cutler, whose name the same year appeared among the
Xashaway proprietors.
1^3. Others of the same town [Watertown^ V-egan also a plantation
at Nashavav some nfteen miles N. \V. from Sudbur.-. . . .
Joha Wiaihrop's H:*:or> c: Nsw Ezgljci. U, 15a:]
7'^of x-rr-onthi643 4. . . . At this CounCutshan:e>;u:n and Squaw
Sa-ir.*:n. Masconoaoco. Nashacowam and Wassania^o's :wo sachems near
th* zrca: hii: :o rhe west called Warehasset. came ir.:o :ne court and ac-
cord: r.z :o :he:r firmer tecder ;o the Governour desired to be received
-- itr :ir pr:.:ec::cn and govenimen: ur-on the same terms that Pumham
izd h-'^-zi-.z were: So we causing them to ucder>raad the articles,
zd HI th* z^z. Co=;z:ax:dments of God, and they freely assenting to all.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. n
they were solemnly received and then presented the court 26 fathom more
of wampom, and the Court gave each of them a coat of two yards of cloth,
and their dinner, and to them and their men every of them a cup of sack
at their departure. So they took leave and went away very joyful.
Qohn Winthrop's History of New England, II, 189.]
1644 Wassamequin, Nashoonon, Kutchamaquin, Massaconomet and
Squaw Sachem did voluntarily submit themselves to us : as appears by
their covenant subscribed with their own hands
[Daniel Gookin's History of the Christian Indians.]
Nashacowam and Nkshoonon arc aliases of the Nashaway sachem usually called
Sholan or Showanon. Wasamegin was sachem at Quaboag [Brookfield], Warehasset
is John Winthrop's orthography of Wachusett, which in the Indian tongue was Wad-
chu-sett, "the great hilU"
May 1644. Many of VVatertown and other towns joined in the planta-
tion at Nashaway, and having called a young man, an university scholar,
one Mr Norcross to be their Minister, seven of them who were no members
of any churches were desirous to gather into a church estate : but the
magistrates and elders advised them first to go and build them habitations
&c (for there was yet no house there) and then to take some that were
members of other churches, with the consent of such churches, as for-
merly had been done and so proceed orderly. But the persons interested
in the plantation being most of them poor men. and some of them corrupt
in judgment, and others profane, it went on very slowly, so that in two
years they had not three houses built there and he whom they had called
to be their minister left them for their delays.
[John Winthrop's History of New England, II, 161.]
29*^ May 1644. The petition of Mr. Natha: Norcrosse, Rob*^ Childe,
Stephen Day, John Fisher &c. for a plantation at Nashawake, is granted :
pvided that there shall not be more land allotted to the towne or pticular
men (notw*''standing their purchase of land of the Indians) then the
Gen''all Co''t shall alowe .
[Massachusetts Records.]
Robert Child's prominence in the company was perhaps
Nashaway's first misfortune. He was of Watertown, com-
ing thither from Northfleet, Kent County, England. He
had received the degree of A. M., in 1635, at Corpus
Christi College, Cambridge, and the degree of M. D. at
Padua. Gifted with great mental force, he held ideas of
man and nature in advance of the age, and was ambitious
to become a leader among the people. We shall probably
12 ANNALS OF L/\NCASTER,
not be far wrong in ascribiog the inspiration of this west-
ward movement from Waterlown, not alone to the prover-
bial Saxon greed of land, but partly to Doctor Child's
sanguine expectation of mineral wealth to be discovered
in the western hills, and the acceptance of his libera] I
theories by congenial spirits. It is noteworthy that of the ]
chief men in the enterprise more than half, namely; Pres- 1
cott. Day, Garret, Hill and Jenkes, were workers in iron. [
Little aid or sympathy could be hoped for by the company I
from magislrates or ecclesiaslics, while it remained under ]
the influence of one who was esteemed by them a factious I
schismatic. A few months later Doctor Child's petition for J
the enlargement of political and religious privilege, just I
and moderate as it now seems, so roused the ire of the |
Massachusetts theocracy that he was compelled to seek I
safely from his intolerant persecutors by flight across the |
Nathaniel Norcross received the degree of A. B. at
Catherine Hall College, Cambridge, 1636-7. He very 1
soon abandoned the company of which he was only the
available clerical figurehead. The cause assigned for his
defection by John Winthrop, quoted on the preceding page,
differs radically from that set down by Reverend Timothy
Harrington one hundred years later. The former may '.
record the excuse of the deserter ; the latter, the tradidon f
of a belief that had justified itself to the deserted. Mr. '
Norcross neither here, nor afterwards in England appar-
ently, gave sign that he had in him the stuff of which ,
apostles or martyrs are made, and even vexatious delays
were not an unalloyed misfortune that put Joseph Rowland-
son in his place.
1645. The humble petiio of the Company Intended to plat at Nastn- I
way 11 June tfi4S.
To the right Worp" Tho. Dudley Esq' Gou'nour and the rest of the
Magistrates and deputyes now Assembled in the Generall Court at Boston.
W petitioners, whose names are Vnderwritten Humbly Sheweth vnto yo* I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-
13
Worp* y" wheras wee haue formerly received favour froin this Court in
haueing Liberty granted vs to plant att a place called Nashaway some 16
inylcs bevond Sudbery. Wee the sayd peiitioners doe find ilt an vtter
Impossibilitye to proceede forwaids to plante at the place aboue sayd ex-
[lept wee haue a conueaieni way made for the Iraosportation of our Catiell
and goods ouer Sudbery River and Marsh. Now although Sudhery men
haue bigun to sell vpp a Bridge ouer the Riuer yett the worke is now decisl-
cd. And the bridgeleftallOgethervDusefull, and the marsh DOW way mended,
soe that wee caunot passe to the plantation abouesd without exposing our
persons to peril) and our cattell and goods to tosse and spoyie ; as yo''
petitioners are nble 10 maJte prooffe of by sad experience of what wee suf-
fered there within these few dayes, Yo' petitioners haue'beene & are much
damnifyed by the badnesse of the way at tins place : for many of vs haue
beene dependant on this worke aboue these two yeares past, much tyme
and meanes haue beene spent in discouering the plantation and prauiding
for our setlinge there. And now the Lord by his prouidence hath gone
on thus farre with the worke that diuers of us have covenanted to sitt
downe together And to Improue ourselues there this summer that wee
may liue there the wynter next Insueing if God pcrmitt. But vnlesse
some S|)eedy course bee taken yl wee haue a way made for the transplant-
ing ourselues. catiell and goods we may perish (here for want of Reliefe,
not being able to prooide for our subsistance there this wynter. Vnlesse
wee expose ourselues and goods to the pcrlll and spoyie as abouesayd.
Yo' petitioners doe therefore humbly Beseech yo' Worships that as you
hatie beene pleased lo Countenance our beginnings, soe you would please
to order that a eonueniant way bee made at the place aforsd for trans-
portinge our persones caltell & goods, that the worke of God there begun
may further proceede ant! wee haue Incouragement to carry on the worke
else our tyme, meanes and labour hitherto expended will be lost. But if
o further our proceedings herein yo' petitioners shall euer
yo' worp' plea
pray &c.
Nathaniel Nor cross e
John Phescot
Stephen Dave
Harman Garkett
Thomas Scidmorf.
John Hill
ISAACK WAKER
John Cowball
Joseph Jeniu:s
The above petition is in Massachusetts Archives cxxi, 5.
The names were signed by the same hand that wrote the
reatof the document, probably that of the minister, Nathan-
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
iel Norcross. Endorsed upon it is this action of General
Court:
The magistraf thiolc fitt that 30'" should be allowed to the tonne of
Sinlbur)-e towarde the finishing of tlieir bridge & waye at the enile of it to
be payd them when they shall haue made the way passable for loaden
horse — , & desire the concurrence of the deputyes herein.
Jo. WiNTHROP DtGo:
The bouse of Deptyes doe concurr with o' honnored itiagisf herein so
it he doune n'Wa a Iwelue moathe.
Edward Rawson
The mention of "sad experience " in the petition, ts ex-
plained by the following "special providence" narrated by
Winthrop in his "History of New England," 11, 306:
horse & his lading in
1 being upon another
Prescott another favourer of the petitioners lost :
Sudbury River, and a week after his wife and childri
horse were hardly saved from drowning.
That the dangers and difficulties of this crossing were
not overrated by these pioneers, Is proven not only by the
above stated facts, but because one hundred years later
the bridge and causeway — " half a mile long " — were com-
plained of as dangerous, and in floods imfassabh. Trav-
ellers were obliged to make long detours to avoid It, and
in 1759 and 1761, lotteries were granted for its improve-
ment, the proceeds of which, amounting to 1227', were
expended upon it. It is not surprising that the twenty
pounds allowed in 1645 proved an insufficient inducement
to the Sudbury men for the completion of the bridge. The
deputy governor and magistrates had no sympathy to ex-
pend upon the troubles of a company wherein Robert
Child, or any of his favorers, had an interest. Therefore
they permitted the Sudbury marsh to remain a lion in the
path to the Nashaway Plantation, and this was one cause
of the delays which not only, as John Winthrop records in
the passage quoted, drove the lirst minister from the enter-
prise, but also disheartened every member of the copart-
J
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- lyas-
nership, save their stalwart leader, John Prescott, whom
neither Sudbury marsh nor deputy governor could daunt.
The i' of 8''' month 45. To the honored Gou'no'' w"" the Rest of the
' Magistrates and Deputes sow Asembled at Boston . the Humble petition
I of the undertakers for the plantation of Nashawaye :
Whereas wee perceive there is some of the men excepted Agaynst y'
weere presented to this honoured Court in our petition yesterday; we
humbly desire to present these men whose names are underwritten for the
worke mentioned in that petition, in they Roomes that are Excepted
Against, humbly Intrealing this honored Court that you will please to
depute all or p' of these men for the worke there mentioned ; and the
whole company shall ever pray.
John Hill Isaac Waker Samuel Bitfield
Semt John Davis James Cutler Mathew Barnes
John Chandler Thomas Skidmore
The petition of the day before, above referred to, has
not been fotind. As John Prescott's and Stephen Day's
names are omitted in this list, they were probably '* excepted
agaynst." This petition is from Massachusetts Archives,
cxii, 16. and is endorsed thus :
The magistrates are willing that Jo : Hill, Serient Jo : Davis Jo : Chand-
ler Isaake Walker, Sam" BltHeld. and Mathew Barnes or any 3 of Ihem
■hall haue power to sett out Lotts to all llie Planters belonging to the sd
Plantation — Frouided they sett not Iheir houses too far asunder & the
greater Lotts to be proportionable lo mens estate & charges, and that no
man shall haue his Lott confirmed to him before he hath taken the Oath
of Fidelity before some magistrate — and desire the consent of the Depu-
ties herein. Jo : WlJruROP D : Go :
Consented to by ye deputies Euw, Rawson.
Capt. Pellam, Left Wil lard & Segnl. Wheeler are appointed Commis-
sioners for this Courtc to lay out ye planters of Nash.iway such propor-
tions of land as they sliall judge fitting for their present occasions Si not
pivjudiciall to them y' hereafter may desire to silt downe there. Ve Dep-
utys desire ye magist* consent hereto. Edward Rawson
"SamliBirfiL-li
word provided' "They shall
so tht paragraph aildf d hy ihe deputies appoint-
luse, which had been inserted al firsl after Ihe
Lit aluuE six acres ig any firsl Loll."
1 1"" Nov. 1647. Whereas ye Corte hath form'ly granted a plantation al
Nashaway vnlo Jno. Chanl', Isa,- Walk'. Jno. Davies. Jno Hill, & Math :
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Si yt Jno. Hill h dead, Jno. Chanl'. Isaac Walk' & Jno. Daviei
have signified unto ye Corte yt since y' said grauiit they have actc^
nothing as undtak" y'
request to ye Cone to take
ingness to be engaged y'i
said plantation, but raih' i
upon it are so few &
pcure oth", & in ye ineane time to
y* planting & ord'ing of it.
lajd out any lands. & furth', have
ye said graunt, manifesting their ntt' u
ye Co'te doth not thinke fit to destroy j
incurage it. ooely in regard y'' psons r
worke care to be taken t
ye Co'ls pow to dispose a
[ Massachuselts Reconli.]
Il"' Nov. 1647. Towne Marks agreed by ye General Co'lc for t
Sec ... . ordered to be set upon one of ye nere qts. X Nashaway j
[ Massac liuseils Records.]
1648. Showanon the great sachym of Nasiiaway doth embrace the G
pel & pray unto God. I have been foure times there this Summer, :
there be more people by ^r then be amongst us, and sundry of tlietn d
gladly hear the word of God, but it is neer 40 miles off and 1 ca
dom goe to them ; whereat they are troubled and desire 1 should c
oftener, and slay longer when I come.
[John Eliol's Idler in Edvind Winsbw's"'l*lie Glorious IVogress of tlie
nmongal Ibe Indians in New England."]
1648, This year a new way was found out to Connecticut by Nasbtu
which avoided much of the hill way.
[John Winlhrop"i History of New lingland, ii, 315.]
1649. I h.id, and still have a great desire to go to a great fishing plac
Namaske upon Merimak; and because the Indian way lyeth beyond t
great River which we cannot passe with our horses, nor can wc well go t
it on this side the river unless we go by Nashaway which is about and b
way unbeaten, the Indians not using that way : 1 therefore hired a
man of Nashaway to beat out a way and to mark trees so that he dUH
Pilot me thither in the spring, and he hired Indians with him and did ttJ
and in the way passed through a great people called Sowahagen Indiai
some of which had heard me at Pautucket and at Nashaway .
There is another aged Sachem at Quabogud three score miles Westward,!
and he doth greatly de.sire that I would come thither and teach them a
' live there, and 1 made a journey thither this summer, and I went by Nisb^
away; but it so fell out that there were some stirres betwixt the Hat
sit and Monahei;an Indians, some murder committed &c, which made
church doubtful at first of my going, which when the Nashaway Sachei
heard, he commanded twenty armed men (after their manner) to be readjrJ
and himself with these twenty men; besides sundry of our neer lodiansi
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1723-
went along willi me lo guard me, but I took some English along with n
]. So that hereby their good afTection is manifested to me and to tl
, work 1 have in hand.
[John Eliol's IcHet in "A funlicr Discovery of ihe prtseni stale of the Indians."]
W Amoskeag^
-hard> ni
Namaake
I wai John Prcscoti, who aJso was the di
as\y noted. Qudo^d, i. e. Quabaag, now firooklield.
of Nashaway"
all
far a
mentioned is not
mayntayned there.
n of this Court,
I be capable 10 anaw
iahabi tinge there
9 1650. Whereas John Prescot Sl others, the inhabitants of
I pfered a petition to this Courte desirejnge power to reeouer
charges of all such as had land there, not residinge w"> them,
Twhereunto this Court, understandinge that the place before
fit to make a planution. (so a ministry lo be erected &
) which if the petitioners, before ihe end of Ihe next aes-
shall not sufficiently make the sajd place appeare to
ver the enda above mentioned dolh order that the pties
sbalbe called there hence, & suffred to live without the
[MassachuseNs Reco
[5.]
1650 . . . That whereas at my first preaching at Nashaway sundry did
I imbrace tlie word, and called upon God, and Pauwauing was wholly silenced
ing them all : yet now partly being forty miles of, and principally by
, llle slow progresse of this work, Sathan hath so emboldened the Pauwau-
\ ees thai this winter (as I learn to my grief) there hath been Pauwauing
' again with some of them.
[John Eliol in "A funher Discovery of the present stale ol the Indians."]
1651. Declaration of Elizabeth the wife of John Hall of Nashaway
' against George Whaley of Cambridge. [MS. torrtl Sheweth vnlo this hon-
ored Court that about foure monelhs since George [Whaley] Steuen Day
I & Samuell Rayner of Cambridge were at Nashaway and \AfS. Uirn] the
I house of John Prescott there fell out a discourse belweene John Prescott Sc
I Steuen Day in w""' discourse John Prescott did speake against John &
s wife Steuen Day did vindicate the cause of Goodwife Hall in her ab-
^nce against John Prescott till at length George Whaley bade Steuen Day
I that he should not goe about lo justify the woman for Whaley [MS. torn']
that when S' Phillips came from Nashaway he came into the buttery at the
I Collese in Cambridge where the said George Whaley demanded of Sr,
I PUIlips how all their friends at Nashaway did. to w"'' S' Phillips answered
I they were all well. Mr Whaley further demanded how he liked Ihe place,
inswered uery well, it is a desirable place as any was in the country
^ as he conceaved. Mr Whaley further asked how he liked the people, he
[ answered he liked them uery well only there were some that held this
E (^ioa, that all things were common & said he came one morninge to
•^*^-=^'''*-"
n:*
^v-c in;u:
— , --1. ?■-
...r • _
T.- „ . : : _; _.-..
•. - • -»-
•re ± 3*
._-- V
^ ^ -iiTf "
*C-'
• ' I
...••
V •.!:;«;
TTJ4 L
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 19
damnable opinion ; yea indeed (shee said) I have knowne sad effects come
of it, and in further discourse hee said shee said shee kept one in her
house which was of that opinion. John Prescott
Attested uppon oath by John Prescot in Court The mark X of
Th . Danforth Record^ Mary Prescot
The Testimony of Richard Smith & Lawrence Waters concerning the
speeches of George Whaley against hall.
Cominge to Mr Whaley in the next morninge after the relation of
Steuen day at goodwife halls the said Smith & Waters desired to speake
with Mr Whaley, he bade them take heed how they did speake any
thing for the woman, yet promised to speake with her after breakefast at
w«*» time, Steuen day beinge allsoe present goodwife hall demanded of Mr
Whaley what he had against her, to w«'^ Mr Whaley made this answer
that S*^ Phillips in the buttery at the College in Cambridge cominge into
the buttery answered to him as followeth . Mr Whaley demanded first how
did all freinds at Nashaway. S*". Phillips answered they are well. Whaley
further demanded how he liked the place, he answered very well, it was a
desirable place as any was in the country, as he conceived . Mr Whaley
further demanded how he liked the people, he answered he liked them
well only there was some that held this opinion that all thinges were com-
mon, Mr Whaley demanded who they were, he answered John HalPs wife.
The Testimony of Samuel Raner is that he heard Lieft. George Whaley
say y' S' Phillips told him y* Goodwife Hall asked whether all things were
coinon. Attested uppon oath in Court.
Tho Danforth Rec.
The Testimony of Stephen Day is that he heard Lieft George Whaley
say y' he received by report of S' Phillips that Goodwife Hall had pro-
posed a question of this import whether all things W common. Attested
The foregoing documents in the case of Elizabeth, wife
of John Hall, vs. Lieut. George Whaley, for slander, are
in the Court files of Middlesex County. Lawrence Waters
had sold his first house-lot of about seventeen acres, and
the house upon it, to John Hall. Elizabeth Hall was living
there, while her husband at this time was in England. He
soon sent for her to come to him, and the estate was sold
to Richard Smith. The suit against Whaley never came
to judgment.
_f:nr :-:*■» cot
:,:Ti.~i vt riSTt
.i,fi tiv-i tit:
: :? sever
'fare
MA SSACHUSETTS. 1643-1625.
finally laid out to him "(« the night -pasUtre, -within that
\ ycnce that was formerly sett up by the copartners." A
night pasture was the public institution preceding nearly all
' others, in the planting of a New England town. That of
Boston was established in 1634 by the following order :
' "Item : That there shalbe a little house built, and a suffi-
[ ciently payled yard to lodge the Cattell in of nights att
I Pullen poynt necke." We rind the name in Boston records
[ even as late as 1699. attaching to a field at Rumney Marsh,
f The "night pasture" of Roxbury has frequent mention in
f the land records, while Concord, Groton, and other towns
[ of early origin, afford in their annals abundant proof that
[ the custom was universally observed, of driving the common
I herd afield daily during the season of forage, under the
care of children and keepers. Strict rules were formally
adopted by the towns for the guidance of proprietors and
I herdsmen. In Watertown the enclosure was called the
" cow pen " or " wolf pen," and this latter name is suggest-
' ive of a reason other than convenience, for the ancient
usage. In 1634, Nathaniel Ward, in "New England's
[ Prospect," says " a few posts and rayles keepes
out the Wolves & keepes in the cattle." Wolves were to
V the pioneer of New England the most troublesome of all
[ wild beasts, being too cunning to be trapped, too cowardly
I to come within reach of the gun, and fearfully destiuctive
f in their midnight forays upon the unhoused stock. It was
IsooQ found out, it would seem, that to the wolfish sagacity
I a fence was an impenetrable mystery.
1652. Reverend Timothy Harrington, in "A Century
i Sermon." states that the pedtion of the nine families of the
I Nashaway settlement for township rights was dated May
18. 1653. We now know that it was the year previous, and
I although that pedtion can be nowhere discovered, the
I action of the General Court upon it in 1652 is duly recorded,
t with subsequent amendments.
:;- :_ T .
JC zz^: -;:.:--
.J -•%«. ■ - • —J
»:. .
• » . « . k «■
Sw*. :r»^r
• • fc ■« ■ I
^ ^ ^ V«- ■ * . • , .
it N.->: .-..».•.. >:... • . , ■
|uss iv'^ \ ::/ •■ >. ■ ■:
-^-.'1 r- 3 — z^z zi:izs :: Nash-
-■"- - ~ IT ij: :-_--tti-tt r T as order
.__ .: :^:_* 1- i::*:zz z faaailyes,
■ - -■ I : ■ c T — yiTL-t :z*r»- some
r...- . ::-:.-: r^ : - ^: ;- i graunt
.: -r.-i— - .: -:e :i!iir:iiz:s. doc
- :.■- -:_:^r :: i i«-ie of the
:" - :- -^- ^ -•■.•tr :: be center,
.= ^ . ;- z^"" -> ":."r^ ";"*> wttst: &
: - :s: -J--Z ■ -t< erresded &
. - — •. » r
. > .
■ — • -
y
4 « «■ •
c'.\ ]"■».».■■.. ^ .
an)onc>. :hi*". .\ .» ^\. ^. x . . .
h.uic lo::> OvV. ?.:."... . •.::>,..• ■> .v, .-:
ii'> 1* ••» *'"-•'■ ■•'■«\ ..•*...:
ncTs in 'Aw \\.\:\::.::r\\ »*: N/.> • ■. . . ■
in lotls ilu*u\ ^\ v*:x'.i*: .^: :.-. > v . .
Ii.iiio !u*!pi*i! oil tlu- «o'.Ni* :!u"** . .* '■. . ".■
to y iiiinistiMV. oi :\\ \\w wvc'w^s , " :
V > ft
lickc! wiuki' lli.it siuli j'sous .i:v- ;.» . \' v.*.
Z^'.tj. Thomas
r-y :: :-*ai whereof
.izz^il'. zztn ox the
L:r=r> :^ cue ppor-
^. -i* T-::II it shall
:-i T-.:- i:!e men as
.'-r :r a tovrnshipp
::z.-ri inhabitants
jjzrmic :o them,
- :ir:n? bounds to
: i ::.iTzt w'lhin the
. >s J. :r->:able.
- ■. ' 't Ti-ivntavncd
f "T.^eilfa in judg-
i>: :.-.rn3. & none to
ii . . • ■
: .izriJLkcrs & copart-
. :vxi of theire clayme
' ^.^r.s oi them who
-. --.:: v.'^f the place, &
-.er :r. contributinge
? ;: ::: any other pub-
-. :he lowne, either in
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 23
pportion of land or some other way of satisfaction, as may be just &
meete, pvided such psons doe make such theire expences clearly appeare
in six moneths.
Here the action of the Court naturally closed, and the
usual sequence of the concurrence of magistrates and ex-
ecutive would be expected. But no ! Some one, whether
magistrate or one higher in authority is beyond our finding,
seems to have bethought himself that not even a Governor
of the Colony had been so much honored as to have a town
named for him, and objected to thus dignifying the busy
blacksmith of Nashaway, who was not only no freeman,
but had once seemed to sympathize with Dr. Child's criti-
cisms of the colonial system of taxation without representa-
tion. Amendment was carried as follows, ignoring the
inhabitants' request :
This Court, takeing the condition of Nashaway into further considera-
tion doe order, that it shalbe called henceforth West Towne, & doe
further confirme there graunt of 8 miles square which was formerly
graunted them, which will encourage many to plant there.
This meaningless substitute for a name was doubtless
not kindly received by those who had expected one eupho-
nious, significant, and of their own choosing. Another
petition met the next general court, of which we know
only the answer, dated May 18, 1653.
In answer to another petition from the inhabitants of Nashaway for
settling of theire graunt, this Court doth order the plantation at Nasha-
way to center, as in the Court order of May 52 (which is the foregoing
order,) and to be layd out in pportion to eyght miles sqare, & that the
seueral pticulers being in number nyne, be confirmed to them, save in the
close of the 2^ article about the name of the towne, that the name of it
be henceforth called Lancaster, & in the sixth article that Sudbury &
Lancaster lay out high wayes according to y* Court order, for the Countryes
vse & them repayre as need shalbe, & that instead of six moneths ex-
pressed in the close of the q*** article, such psons to haue twelue moneths
from the end of this session for such demaundes : and that the intrest of
Harmon Garrett & such others as were first vndertakers or haue ben at
great charges there, shalbe made good to him, them or his or theire heirs
24 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
in all theire allottments as to other theire inhabitants in pportion to charges
expended by him and such others aforesd, pvided they make improue-
ments of such allottments, by buildinge & plantinge, within three yeares
after they are or shalbe layd out to them, otherwise theire intrests hereby
pvided for to be voyd, & all such lands so hereby resented to be at the
towns dispose.
1653. At a county court held at Cambridge the 5. 2 mo 1653. This
Court doth order that the Inhabitants of Nashaway Plantation at or before
the 20*** of this p'^nt month do send downe one able man to be swome be-
fore some magistrate, for the constable of there plantaSon.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
^<i^ l^fi^j, ^aific /^tlK t'xS^yi^
LANCASTER, MASSACHUSETTS.
THE so called act of incorporation of Lancaster, dated
May r8. 1653, as copied by Master John Tinker, forms
the first page of the town's records. The leaf is badly
torn, and many words have crumbled away. It has slight
verbal ditVercnces from the original in the records of the
general court, and from an official copy by Secretary Ed-
ward Rawson, in Massachusetts Archives, cxii, S4~55'
COPPIE OF THE COURTS GRANT.
[ a Gen'" Couri of Election held at Boston the 18"' of May 1653.
In answer lo the Peiicon of the Inhabitants of Nashaway the Court
finds according 10 a former order of the Gen'" Court in Anno 1647 no 6:
That the ordering and diaposeing of the Plantation at Nashaway is
.wholly in the Courts power
Considering that there is allredy at Nashaway about nine ffamilies
and that severall both freemen and others intend to goe and setle there
wliereof are named in this Petition the Court doth Grant (hem the
Lie of a. Towneshipp and orders that hensforth it shall be called Lan-
That the Bounds thereof shall be sett out according to a deedc of
the Indian Sagamore, viz. Nashaway Riuer at the passing oner to be the
Center, fiue miles North fiue miles south tiue miles east and three miles
west by such Comissioners as the Courte shall appoint to see theis Lines
.extended and their bounds limilled
That Edward Breck, Nath^niell Hadlocke, William Kerley, Thomas
Sayer, John Prescot and Ralph Houghton, or any foure of them, whereof
laior Parte to be freemen to be for present the prudential! men of the
isaid Towne both to see all allottments to be laid out to the Planters in
26 AXS.ILS OF L.\NrA5TER.
due projortioa W ;be;re ess:» ir^ iT -^^ ;;■ if i-tr :tbir
vnlill it shall A>_:eir» w ij C;v^ --.»: -J:* ?-i.:t :<
able men as the Ci^n z:iv .'.idg =tt:.
Towiubi;'^ accorid:^^ to LA>e.
5. That ali mia Persor.* ■iie 'ii.e zciam^i izi ~:=d=::ed Ichabi-
laati frf Xasnaway shaU hist th*!' Liri fjr^tKy Liii ;i: co^nrraed to
them provided ther tale :r.e oath of £iell:::«
6. That Sudber/aad Lar-cajier L /.■;■:: IiL^r.Tiilti ■■*r>rii;Towne and
Towne according to order of C«;r: fir :hi Cii;="_-:ei vse ji--' ien repaire
them as ncede shalbe
7. The Court Orders Tha: Laa:a-:-r shiU be rated »^-in the County
of Midlcsex and the Tosrae hith Liberty •.■^ ch'j-jie a CorjnshU.
a. That the [nhabiana of Lacci-^ter d-:< take care t^iat a godJy min-
e»ter may be maintained amoogit ther.i asd [hit q> en!: persons Enemies
to the Laires of this CoiSonwcalth in Judgment or Pracdre be Admitted
as Inhabitants amongst (hem and none 10 hauc Lotts Coanmed but such
as Uke the oatbe of fidelH'.ie
9. That alllhough the first L'ndertjliers and partners in the Plantacon
vf Nashaway are wholy Lvacuated 01 theire Clairnes in Lot:s ;here bv order
of this Courte yet that such persons cI them whoe hjue E:(pended either
Charge or Labor for the Beaetitt of the pUce and hjue helpped on the Pub-
like workes there from time to time either in CoDtrihuting to the minestrie
or in the PurchaM from the Indians or any other Pubiike worke. that sncb
persons are 10 l>e Considered by the Towne either in proportion of Land
or some other way of satisfaction as ma;- be /u.-.t and mecte. Provided
such I'trsons do make such iheireexpc.icesCIeerly Aypeare within Twelue
moncthes after the end of this Sessior.s for such demandes and that the
Interest of Harmon (Inrrett and such others as were lirsi vndertakers or
h»uu bin at Great Charges there shalbe made good to him them his or
thcire heires in all AlluttmenLsas tooiher the Inhabitants in proportion to
the Charges ex[>ended l>y him and such others aforesaid. Provided
they make Improuem' of such Allotnif by building and Planting w'Mn
three ycarcs after ihey are or shalbe Laid out to Ihum, otherwise theire
InlereHl hereby Provided for to bee vo.de, And all such Lands soe hereby
Kescrved to be thcncforth at the Towjits Dispose : In further Answer to
this Peticon the Court .ludgcth it mceie to (.'onliriii the aboue mentioned
Nine jierticiilerh to the Inhabitants of Lancaster, and order that the bounds
thereuf be Laid out in proportion to eight miles square.
KoUowinft lliis, by the samt; hand, were nineteen nutn-
hi;r(;(i pagtiH, of which only the last twelve are now extant.
It will be noticl:d tliat in dates the name of the month is
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 27
sometimes found. After Governor John Winthrop's time
this new method began to be observed by some, but usually
the heathen names of months and days were carefully
avoided, and the ordinals used, March being the first
month.
OF THE COVEN^; ChURCH LaND ; MEETING HOUSE, LOTTS 10'*: &C :
1653 18 : 8 m®. The bond to binde all comers. Memorandum, That
wee whose Names are subscribed, vppon the Receiueing and accept-
anc of our several! Lands, and Allottments w^*» all Appurtinances
therebf,. from those men who are Chosen by the Generall Court to
Lay out and dispose of the Lands within the Towne of Lanchaster
heertofore Called by the name of Nashaway doe hereby Covenant &
binde ourselues our heires Execut™ & Assignes to the observing and
keepeing of these orders and Agreements hereafter mentioned and Ex-
pressed.
Church Lands, ffirst ffor the maintainanc of the minestree of Gods
holy word wee doe Allowe Covenant and Agree that there be laid out
Stated and established, and we doe hereby estate and establish as Church
Land with all the priuilledges and Appurtinances therevnto belonging for
ever, thirty acors of yppland and fortie acors of Entervale Land and
twelue acors of meddowe with free Libertie of Commons for Pasture and
fire wood, The said Lands to be improved by the Plantation or otherwise
in such order as shalbe best Advised and Concluded by the Plantation
without Rent paying for the same, vntill the Labours of the Planters or
those that doe improue the same, be ffully sattisfied. And wee doe agree
that the Plantation or Sellect men shall determine the time, how Longe
every man shall hold and Improue the said Lands for the proffit thereof.
And then to be Rented according to the yearly vallue thereof and paid in
to such persons as the Plantation or Sellectmen shall Appoynt to and for
the vse of and towards the maintainanc of the minester Pastor or Teacher
for the time being, or whomesoever may bee stated to preach the word of
God among vs: or it may be in the Choyce of the minester to Improue
the said Lands himselfe.
Meeting house. And ffurther wee doe Covenant and Agree to build a
Convenient meeting house for the Publique Assembling of the Church
and People of God, to worshipp God according to his holy ordinances in
the most eaquall and Convenient place that may be Advized and Concluded
by the Plantation.
Mifiisters house. And to Build a house for the Minester vppon the
said Church Land.
And ffurtbcr «rc
his h circs Exec-
mi neslree aboue-
. Coa&ideracoa of
Engaged for the
Competent n
vppon o' Gootls,
and order as tbi
lioe^ter the main-
abouemen tioned ,
scoote to be ai
the Plan-
^
^
a8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Jiaiue totts to pay w p amm to Uu miiutUr.
doe Engage and Covenant every one lor himselie
ators Sl Assignes to pay to and for the vse of the
said the sume of ten shillin£5 a yeare as for and in
o' borne Lotts yearly for ever, our home Lott.' to stand
payment thereof, and what all (his shall fall shon of a
ttnance we Covenant to make vpp by an e<]uall Rate
and Other Improved Lands (not home lots) in such way
Country rate is Raised, And in case of vacaasy of a n
tainaoc Ariseing from the Church Land and home Lotts
sbalbe paid lo such as shalbe Appoynted, for the use
a sIocl( : or as slock towards the maintainanc of the
laiioa or Sellect men shall think meetest.
To build Inhabit &'c in a year or looie all and pay 5: ^ And for tlie
better Promoteing and seting forward of the Plantatioa wee Covenant and
Agree, Thai such person or persons ol vs who baue not Inhabited this
Plantation heretofore and are yell lo come lo build Impcoue and Inhabitt
That we will (by the will of God) come vpp to build lo Plant land and
Inhabit at or before one whole yeare be passed next after o' acceptance
of o* AUottments, or etc to Loose all our Charges about it. and our Lotts
to Return to Uiie PlaDUtion, and to pay liue pounds for the i-se of the
Plantation.
What tnhabitiiHts not to be Admited. And for the Better preservdog
of the purilie of Religion and ourseiues from iafeclioa of Error we Cove-
nant not to distribute A lloltmenls and lo Receiue into the Plantation as
Inhabitants any cxcominicat or otherwise prophane and scandaluB (known
fo to bee) nor any notoriously erring against ihe Docktrin and Discipline
of ibe Churches and the state and Uovernm' of this Coiiioaweale.
to end all difrtac by Arbitracon. And for the better preservelng of
peace and love, and yet to keepe the Rules of Justice and Equiii<
ourseiues, we Covenant not lo goe to Lawe one with an other in Actiow
of Debt or iJamages one towards an other either in name or
end all such Controversies among ourseiues by arbitration or otherwui
except in cases Cappitall or Crinttnall that sinn may not goe vnpucusbed'
or that the mater be aboue our abilliiies to Judge of, and that it bee «ridi
ibe Consent of the Plantation or Sellect men thereof.
To pay lot p Loll, And lor the Laying out measureing and bound-
ing of our Altottments of this tirst Diuision and for and towards the S
fieing of our Engagem"" lo the Generall Court, to m.ike payment Spr
purchase of the Indians we Covenant lo pay ten shillings every one of v»
for our several! AUottm", to the Sellect men or whome they may AppojM^
to Receive it.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1735.
31
Equal! Lotts first Diuition, in 2^^ Diuilions acar
whereas Lotts are Now Laid out for the most part i^
poore. Partly to keepe the Towne from Scatering to fa
of Charitie and Respect to men of meaner estate, ye;
[le of God) may be observed, we Coven,
^ision and so through all other Devitioil
neere to equallitie according to mei
which hath now more then his esti ,
Lotts shall haue so much Less :^iifll!^ine
JDeserveth shall haue so much' >^
proportion we Covenant and ag
junds a head for every perso^
^rtion to every ten pounds'
Entervale and we giue a
erstood That we doe not
Accomodateing any man by
••:) but wee doe reserve that
tion may hereafter be offered :
we that he can claime Nothing in
tood that he shall enioy all the Land
er we Covenant That if any Planters do
in the second devition it shalbe Granted.
^of Meddows. And fFurther wee Covenant to lay
pcording to the preasent estates of the Planters, with
Remoteness or Neereness, of that which is remote to
of that wch is neere to giue the Less.
■.JKrning the 30 acors of vppland and 40 acors of Entervale
..*.led as Church Land It is agreed and concluded to Lye
;*by John Prescotts Ditch vppon the South and the North Riuer
':-cnds [anenst^ Lawrenc Waters vppon the North and so Rangeing
^westward.
And for the Preventing of Inconveniences and the more peaceable Isu-
ing of the business about building of a meeting house it is Considered
and Concluded as the mostequall place that the meeting house be builded
as neere to the Church Land and to the Neck of Land as It can bee with-
out any notable inconveniencie.
And it is allso agreed That in all partes and Quarters of the Towne
where Sundry Lotts do Lie together they shalbe fifenced by a Common
ffenc according to proportion of acors by every planter, And yett not to
ban* any man from perticuler and priuat Inclosure at his pleasure.
23 .AXXALS OF LANCASTER.
kmu€ laUi i^ /^PP^ ^ t^ hxwts aod orders mrst Enacted and made
doe Eji^^e 2ad f i 23d Impowered bv the Genrall Coort as it is kmxid
Btors& A««n«
S3sd the soze a
</ hocae Lotts v^axes t^ race subscribed to these orz>eks :
ther/
^ ^<£K / I vsbmaisK to vas far aiy sefiSe and fai _ . _
tZCaCCe we 1 ^ atreedd^vvanaocbocziiiD-aiBerppo'ai
HaCf/TT. \
Cocntr^
^^^^Sa^"" j- These subscribed together the foi
^/iSlLPH HAL'GHTOJij
"* J3r* WHTTCOlfB Seni* ; }
Js* Whttcomb Jaai^ : < Subscribed 20 : day :9 m- 1652
Richard Lixtox. ]
ijr jOflXSOX. ^ Sabscribed : 4=^ : 9 m^ : 1654
JzREMtAH Rogers]
jar^ Moore: Sabscnbed: 1 1*^ : first m^ : 1653
WiixiAM Lewes : }
fjj/y Lewes. > Subscribed : i3«*» : i m' : 1653
Tt^': James: mark 21*: 3 m'": 1653
Edml-xd Parker. 1
Bexiamixe Twitchell }. Subscribed : i***: 8 m-^: 1652
AXTHOXY NeWTOX. J
Steefhex Day ^Subscribed: 1$^^' ' ">■*• '^53
James Adertox t both of y™.
Hexry Kerly: 'J
Richard Smith. I
William Kerly Jun^ f Subscnbed 15: i m- 1653
Jx". Smith. J
Lawrexc Waters
Jx^. White: Subscribed: i**» May 1653
Jx* FFARRER: Subscribed: 24: Septemb'' 1653
JACOB FFARRER : Same date
Johx Haughtox / ^ , ^
Samuel Deaxe SS^b": same 24: 7 m- 1653
James Draper. )
Steefhex Gates: Sen- $ Subscnbed: Apnll 3: 1654
James Whitixg or Wittox : Subscri: Ap'*^7»*»: 1654
fx". Moore and } ^ o i^ .^ .
Edward Kibbie ^3^2"^"^ '^54 Sdbscnbed
This name has always been erroneously printed '* Rigbe." Kibbie \**as of RojKbtiry
a sawyer by trade, and did not long remain here. Lydia Kibbie, perhaps his daughter,
became wife of George Bennett of Lancaster.
■■■ ■.'' .':.i^:i ...'■<.... L
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 31
Jn® Mansfield: 13: 2 m°: 1654
Jn** Towers: ^
Richard Dwelly > Subscribed 18: 2 m®: 1654
Henry Ward. J
Jn^ Peirce. ? r, 1^ t^ j ♦».
WILLIAM BILLING ^Subscribed 4* : 7 «"»: i6S4.
Richard Sutton: ap"^" 1653
Thomas Joslin. ) Subscribed the i2*»» : 9 mo : 1654. and there is granted
XT T ( to them both 50 acres of vpland & Swamp together for theire home
NATHANIELL J OSLIN > lotts and allso forty acors of Eniervale.
John Rugg: Subscribed, 12***: 12 m": 1654
i Subscribed I2t'»: 12 m°: 1654: and it U agreed by
JOSEPH ROWLANDSON : > the Town that he shall haue 20 accors of vpland & 40 acors of
J Entervale in the Night Pasiure:
Jn® RiGGBY: Subscribed I2»*»: I2»*»m": 1654 and hejis to haue 20 acors of vpland
& ten acors of Entervale
Jn^ Roper : Subscribed 22 : i"^ m" : 1656
All these before mentioned are subscribed & theire names Entered ac-
cording to theire Severall Dates in the old Book & Coppied per Jn®
Tinker C/erk
Jn® Tinker Subscribed y« first of fFebb' : 1657
Mordica Maclode his X mark set i march yf|
Jonas ffairbanks : Subscribed the 7***: 2 m": ^^\\
Jonas ffairbanks
Roger Sumner subscribed the : 11**^ of Aprill : 1659
Roger Sumner
Gamaliell Demand Subscribed: the 31^**: of may 1659
Gamaliell Ut Bemand
his marke
Thomas Wytlder : Subscribed the i"» of July 1659
Thomas WyEllder
Daniell Gaines Subscribed the tenth day of march \\\%
Daniell Gaiens
1653. The arrival of Prescott's millstone in Lancaster
must have been an event of matchless interest to every
man, woman and child in the settlement. Until that began
its tireless turning, the grain for their every loaf of bread
had to be carried to Watertown mill, or ground laboriously
in a hand quern, or parched and brayed in a mortar Indian
fashion, or hulled and softened with lye and crushed, as is
the practice to this day in some regions of North America.
The Nashaway planters might well wish to honor their
beneficent neighbor by naming the township for him. To
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
* cxpacity and bu^ness energy they owed iieaHy a!l tber
H*) ll)u« t'ar KUamc^d, and no sooner had lo»'nship LTgain-
ntion been secured, ihan we see John Prescolt turning his
Attention to this new enierpri:<e, which found shipe
November a«h. in the following agreement :
Know «n men br tbnw prcMois ttut I John I'rescott blackesmillt. loik
^vrnanml And barpined with joo. flbuadl of Charlestowne kb Uk
lltllnf of a Cornr mill, wiihta Ihe said Tgwne of Lanchasler.
^|lli«*»eth iKtl «TC lh« Inhabilanls ot Lanchastcr for his eocoi
H DO (piotl A wwkr tot the behoofe of our Towne. vpon
will inirnited wvvkr by hitn or his As^ignes be finished, do
y g)u« K**"'- cit^^. A coDbnne rnio the said John PrescotI,
r» III' liiUM-vjLtv LuhI I>-1i>|{ on 'hr noMh riaer, lying north west Of
{III)' anU ivn Jnivv ui LaiwI »cljotiiring to the mill : and forty
11 ths South cut of the mill btooke. lying between the mill
Uld Nitkhaw«) Kiun in tuch pUoe as tbc said Jnhn I'rescoit slull
li ull thfl (>rUitlft1|:c!t knd Appurtnunccs thereto »pperteyneii
i« ini) to liuld the Mid Und and oiric pArcell thereof to the said'
I'rffM'ult IiIm he\t4e« uid usjgiws for eoct, to bis and their only
VM Aiid boUooft. AIM ««« do cooetiAnt & pratnisc to lend the
J'lvatUll fltie |WUnd, in current mooey one t'care for the bu>-in£ of
foi Vll» mill. And aIso !•«« do cooen»nt and giani to and with
Jiihit I'lKiiiitt hU hey<T» and Assignee th*t the nud mill, with all tbe
niiiiinil Uiid iheteto Ainienevmeing stoill be freed from all eofiton
[iir Ai"!"!!"" I'MfPH next rosueinj. »f(er tbe fo« finishing and
(■Id mill lo woikr Ii» wlines whe««.f wee hwie herevnto put
thia »""' <l*y ttf '*>* V I" "* y«*« of oat Loed Gi>d
liiitKl"*'! finy ""^^ lht««-
HulocHlwl lumn
WiM" Kbiii.v Skk».
JNU I'HItSiXVl'T.
Lawxemjc Waters. Thomas Jambs.
El»«fXl> PAdKES. Jno I-EWIS.
RtOHAKD LlXTOH. JAMES ATHBR'n
iui III HolKMltON. RlCMAHU SMmi. JACOB FFAKHB
Wiu." KmilyJuh*.
Mpniornniliim, ihAl Jno Ptwrott Snbhcd Us mill. A began tol
corn* 111* *3'" 'i*>' ^ '*« i"- '*«■
Al • nipetiiiij of the Coftinsioocrs far the genrall Court, the 9
winlior 1B5; *l Jno t're«ot(>s biHKC, the Towne consented that w
Iftunliyeiiof Jmi, I'rescott prouidcd for in ih« eoveninl should continue
And rtmayne lo lilm the «dd Jno Piwcoti »tts heyres and assigoes vnlOI
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 33
the 23 of May in the yeare of our Lord sixteen hundred sixty & two, 1662.
Simon Willard
Edw. Johnson
Thomas Danforth
The above contract is not found in any records of the town, but was duly recorded
in the Middlesex County Registry.
FIRST GRANT OF LOTTS :
1653: 30*^: 9m*': Mem'"nd"', That we Edward Brek Jno Prescott Wil-
liam Kerly Ralph Haughton and Thomas Sayer, being Chosen by the
Gene*^" Court, To lay out Allottments and to order the prudentiall affaires
of this Plantation at Nashaway now Named Lancaster do Lay out and
Appoynt Lands and severall Lotts with all the priuilledges and Appurti-
nances thereof vnto these severall persons whose Names and Allottments
are hereafter mentioned and discribed To haue and to hold to them
their heires Executors and Assignes for ever
The Lotts of this Plantation are Laid out partly on the west side of the
Riuers of Nashaway and the North Riuer, and partly on a parcell of Land
Called the Neck Lying betweene the North Riuer and that which hath bin
Named and Hereby is named Penecuck Riuer which Taketh his name and
begineth at the meeting of Nashaway and the North Riuers
Penacook is said to be an Algonquin word, meaning
"a crooked place/' from fenaqui^ "crooked," and auke^
"place," and the New Hampshire name is supposed
to be thus derived. Here the word in early days was
spelled Penecook or Penicook, and may have had a differ-
erent origin. Again, -pen^ plural penak^ means "ground
nut " or " wild potato," a favorite food of the aborigines ;
while used as a prefix penak denoted "a fall in the land."
Hence, other meanings are suggested as possible. The
name was soon dropped.
The Lotts on the west side of Nashaway and the North Riuers are
formed duble, a highway Runing through as a street,, on either side
whereof Lotts are Laid to butt vppon the said highway :
Lotts of Jno Prescot
The ffirst Lott as the Scenter from which other Lotts may take theire
boundings and discriptions North and South, is the Lott of John Prescot
who is one of the first Inhabitants, he hath his Lott on the west side of
Nashaway and the North Riuers Containing 20 Acors in place where some-
3
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 35
Entervale Lotts on the west side of the North Riuer :
The first Lott begineth at a litle brooke which Cometh from the west &
Runeth into the North Riuer :
William Kerly Sen*
The 2"^ Lott is the Lott of William Kerly Senior Containing 20 acors
butteth Esterly vppon the west side of the North Riuer.
^is purchas. The Lot of William Kerly which he purchased of Rich-
ard Smith is the 3** Lott Joyning to hi^ owne pp [proper] Containing 20
acors Lyeth on the south side is Butted & bounded as the former.
Wm. Kerly Jun*
The Lott of William Kerly Jun*^ Containing 20 acors is the 4"* Lott
butted and bounded as the fformer
J NO Moore
The Lott of J no Moore Containing 20 acors is the 5*** Lott Butted &
bounded as the other
The Lott of Henry Kerly Containing 20 acors is the Last Lott Lying
to a brook w*=^ is on the south side and Runeth into the North Riuer :
Neck side. The Lotts vppon the Neck Lyeth betweene the North Riuer
and Penecuck Riuer a highway Runing between them :
Lotts of Edward Brek
The Lott of Edward Brek is the 'first Lott Containing 20 acors which
Lyeth butting vppon the highway vppon the west and Penecuck Riuer
vppon the east and RuiTeth to the Riuer (which somtimes was intended
for Mr Bowman) [Probably Francis of Watertown.] His Entervale Lott
Lyeth on the East side of Penecuck Riuer Containing 20 acors bee it
more or Less, it Runs East and west and boundeth westerly vppon Pene-
cuck and vppon the South is hounded by a new ditch : & (from this Lott
Northerly & Southerly are other Lotts Numbered & bounded and is the
first Lott.
Ri: Lenton
The Lott of Richard Lenton, Containing 20 accors is the 2* Lott and
Lyeth on the North side of the Lott of Edward Brek butteth on the High
way westerly & Penecuck Riuer on the East, Ralph Haughton vppon an
exchange made, is planted vppon the East end thereof
Ra: Haughton
The pp [proper] Lott of Ralph Houghton is Next vnto Richard Lenton
Containing 20 acors butted and Bounded as the other being the 3** Lott
Northerly.
.£
TW Urn of Kk]}* Hauchton w^ he parchased of J^
( w hoK «««e (p an Ae North side Containing ;o •(»
"* ~ ~e Lam Lyvoa the other side PenecuckEj^
i bcaac tbt y and 4* Lotts from the Un d
lto*Vr Buck
The Loa ri Itetwn b«ck C M UlaJ Bg 20 acors Lyetb 00 the ocsi ndt
of Ik* ^ivct b« fM M«fc a Ae sootli side Neerc to the house of RiclunI
tevMK. *pfo* a Line Ri£« 9 af ■ ^ rt$4 frwn the highway to the Kiia
9J rMb in Leac^ l^ii't «• ibe U^ttnv oa i!ie East & the North Rhxi
cm Uie «nt a»d nadetb NdRkedy . Hts Esten-ale LotI Containing »
•nn Lj«tti aen to tfar Eaienxk Lon of liit £ulici Edward Brek and a
the wcuod Ian fro« fen NuiikuljF tened And bounded as is his hitun.
JuRs A mm nw
Tbc Lon 01 Ja»es AAnW* Lmh aui mto the Lotts of Kalpli
Hau|;ltHm o« the Nonh ami h the fifili LoU Conuiniog 10 acors tniited
A bOHiKM aa tht othec TV EMcrak Lotl of Jatues Atberton Con-
MiMlnc 90 Kon fe tbc S^ Lar SmAi^j from the Loti of Ralph H*u|ih'
ton bMitii( & bOi»<lim ax the fawcc
Jno Won
1'he Lmt ol Jo(m Whitr CouaUiv 90 aeon is oeit to the Lett of
]ain«« Aderton <w the North a»d b tke dn Luii buttitig & bounding a>
th« o(h«f. HH Ecttm^ak Lott coMainiag ao «cors b next to the E
vak U>i( of Jamvs Atbemw om the North A is Ae Mxth Lott.
Tike Lull of WUUan trrca Cowaiw^ >o aeon t* ihe «
o tW Latt of Join VThiie «a the Koith botdag ft h
the other. Ht» tJiwrrakt Lott albo Lwth nest » John V"
7"' Lott Boiwant Coatauiinc 9o arois tenng & b
)s* L«»is
The Lotl of John Lewes Coot^nias :o aeon b the dghi Lon fl
> the LoO of hb btber WilUam Leats oa the Noeth, T
bounding as the other. Hb eniertale Lon b the eight (
n b butted Ji bounded as the otttef .
Tao. Juns
I'he Lott of Tltofnas Jaaies Coatat^ag 30 ai
Lyeth Dext to the Lott of John Leaes on the North batiioc ftta
at the other. Hb Eatamk Lott b the Ntath kktt. Nankc^r <|
Le«re* butted & booaded as
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
The Lott of Edmund Parker Containing 20 acors is tlie tenth Lot! and
Lyeth Next lo the Lotl of Thomas James on the North bulled &
itimled as the other. His Entervale Lott Containing :o acors is the
ath Lott Lying on the North side of the Lott of Thomas James butted
bounded as the other.
The Lott of Richard Smith Containing 20 acors Lyeth alone and is a
tryangle. bounded by a fenc on one side towards the entervale and on an
bounded hy the North Riuer and by a parcel! of Comon on the 3^
lide through which a highway is to pass ;
Thus far the records, copied from the old book, are in
the quaindy neat hand-writing of Master John Tinker,
who at his coming hither was at once largely entrusted
with the management of public affairs.
COPPIE OF PETITION FOR TOWNSHIP: & ANSWER:
the hono"* Go"no' ihc Depl Go"no' and the Rest of this hono"* Court
both magi.slrates & deputies.
The humble petition of the Inhabitants of Lancaster humbly sheweth
hat whereas it pleased this honoured Court to giue power to six men
(ormerly to dispose of Lands, and fo giue out Lotts vnto such men as
did desire to sin doivne att Lancaster, they hauing Hitherto acted accord-
ngly, and wee being now about Iwcntie familyes. and one of the six men
Ibeing dead, and an other liuing remote from vs, and sura others of Ihem
lieing desirous to Leaue of that power giuen to them by the Court ; Con-
ciuing it to be agreeable to Law and profitable to the towne, in the further
pricing on and ordrlng of the planting and prudenciall aiTaires of the
rwne, and alsoe in the further disposing and raising maintainaoce for the
liinestrie amongst vs, wee with the Comisioners who haue sett their hands
nto with oiirielues, doe humbly intreat this Honoured Court that the
■T which was formerly granted to those six men, may be granted to
owne, and inhabitanc in genrall that therein they may act togather .13
1 other townes, and as wee Conceiue vnder lauor the Law doth allow.
|j)d alsoe that this Court would be plesed to apoynt sum man or men
n wisdome you think meet, to Lay out our towne bounds according
D this Courts grant, which if il shall pleas this Honoured Courl to grant
Jito vs, we shall remaine further obliged and as wee ar in dutie bound
^ntinae 10 pray for you.
Wii-UAM Kerlev Sen Edmund Parker
William Leweis Thom,\s James
William Kerly Jun John Whitcombe 2
Richard Smith L*wrenij Waters
Henry Kerley Richard Linton
John Leweis
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
39
w*** them for the choosing of such a one as may be most fitt to be theire
sagamore, which would be a good service to y^ countrje.
[Massachusetts Records.]
Their counsel prevailed, and Matthew, nephew of Sho-
lan, was chosen ; but " deboist " Sam bided his time. The
tribal government was an elective, monarchy, sons of a
deceased sachem being ineligible if nephews and brothers
were available.
MENS ESTATS TO DRAW MEDDOW & 2"* DEUISION
1654. These seurall Estats of the planters who by Couenant and ac-
cording to the rules theirof haue engaged that theirby it may be knowne
what shall be ther pporcion of Land which by Couenant eurie planter
may make Claime vnto in a second third or other deuisions of Land and
alsoe of medow within this towne of Lancaster. •
lb ■ d
John Prescott 366 = 15 z 00
William Kerley Sen. 270 = 00 = 00
Edward Brecke 202 = i r = 00
Ralph Houghton 264 = 04 : 00
Edmund Parker 098 = 00 = 00
Thomas James 036 : 00 = 00
John Johnson 030 = 00 = 00
John Smith 058 = 19 z 00
James Atherton 069 = 05 : 00
Thomas Sa^vyer 1 10 = 00 z 00
Robert Breck 010 z 00 z 00
William Kerley Jun. 186 z 00 z 00
John Rugg 083 z 10 z 00
John More 1 10 z 00 z 00
William Leweis 285 z 09 z 00
John ffarer
Richard Smith
John Leweis
Thomas Josllin
Steeuen Gats Sen.
John Whetcomb
Jo : Whetcomb Jr.
Nathaniell Josllin
Lawrenc Waters
Jacob ffarer
John Whit
Henry Kerley
Richard Linton
Phillip Knight
John Roper
The Estats of seurall entred sine the 9 day 1655
Roger Sumner his Estat giuen in is
Jonas ffairbanke his Estat is
Jacob £u'er aded when his wif came
lb
107
or8
210
314
241
029
155
277
107
380
078
090
100
100
s d
z oozoo
z 13Z10
z loz 00
I ooz 00
zooz 00
z ooz 05
I ooz 00
I oozoo
: 00 z 00
I 10 Z 00
: 06 z 02
= 04 z 00
: ooz 00
I 00 z 00
: oozoo
232
172
168
ooz 00
oozoo
07 zoo
DEUISION OF MEDOWES ALLREDIE DEUIDED.
Medowes allowed to eurie hundred pound estat is fower accors to which
proporcion it foUoweth
^ A!C3CALS or LA3CCASTEK.
Jmm fttMoa Bub of nc^owa b:
37 Wi[3»» KerW tea kufc
26 John Jobaioa
14 J'jfati S<T.itb
35 James AtlKttoB
Rob«n tittdu OM tabtd to hsK a lot. o
14 Willbm Kerley Jo. 2 accocs & |
f S John More 4 accon & { ptcs
15 John Ri^ 3 accon & ) ptc
7 William Leweis 1 1 accors & f ptes
f6 Richard Smith ■boold be H-l' ^ is bat Q-f (i2| acoxs & ^
John Lewetf
olptes
Tbomai jofllia
i 4 i pies
Slectieii Gate* icti.
laaccor;
i i * A PW
John Wbetcomb md.
tj&lpte
John Wnetcomb Jo.
I aceor
&lpte
Natbaniell Josllin
6accori
i & i pte
Lawrenc Wateri
II accon
i&^pte
Jacol) ffarer
4 accon
• & A P'"'
John Whit
15 accors and ) pte
Henry Kerley
s & i pte
Richard Linton
i&l-,\ pies
John Tinker for 100 good"
Knight
John Roper
Muter Rowlandson
6 accors
John Tinker hath 6acc. i
wasgood-
man Rowlandsons & and
2 to draw
8 accor.
iforhisowne
Roger Sumner 9 accors \ pte
Jonas fairbanke hath 6 accors, is to
draw I ptes, which makes 6 accors & j ptes
Jacob ffarer by his estat & by his wife 6 accors 4 J ptes
Jacob H'arer for John farers esut 4 accors & J pte
,suM (;rants ok land and orders by the first six
MEN APOYNTED.
The 9"" of Ihc first mon. 1654 It is ordred and agreed by ihe select-
men of the plantaclon the Land which Lyeth belweene the lott of Edward
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 4I
r
Brecke and that of Richard Smith shall Ly in Comon for the plantacion
Itt is ordred by the greater voat of the selectmen that noe second
deuisions of Land shall be Laid out to any planter within the Compass of
two miles of the house of Richard Linton
It is ordred and granted by the greater voat of the select men that a
Certain pte of Entervaile Land which Lyeth betweene the lottes of Robert
Brecke and Ralph Houghton shall be and remaine vnto the said Robert
and Ralph, their heirs and asignes for euer and that vpon resonable and
good Considracion
Upon resonable and good Considracion it is ordred and granted by
the greater voat of the select men that Thomas Saw}'er shall haue fine
accors of Land Lying on the south sid of the dich of John Prescott and
on the north sid of the High way buting vpon the Entervaile East and the
Comons on the west to him his heirs and asignes for euer to plant a hous
vpon — vpon Condicion that he returne to the towne fiue accors of his
home lott in Lew theirof at the east end of his lott.
At a towne meeting it was voted and agreed by the plantacion upon a
legall warning asembled that the acts of the selectmen who were Chosen by
the Court to dispose of lotts and to act the prudenciall afairs of this plan-
tacion contained in this book by them or the greater voat of them acted,
shall hencforth be accounted Legall and is herby established and con-
firmed
Att a towne meeting asembled vpon Legall warning it is agreed by the
towne that their should not be taken into the towne aboue the number of
thirtie fiue familyes and the subscribed names ar to be vnderstood that
hencforth they ar to be accounted townsmen
Edward Brecke John Johnson William Kerley Jun
Master Joseph Rowlandson John More John Smith
John Prescott William Leweis Lawrence Waters
William Kerley sen. John Leweis John White
Ralph Houghton Thomas James John farer
Thomas Sawyer Edmund Parker Jacob tfarer
John Whetcomb Sen James Atherton John Rugg
John Whetcomb Ju' Henry Kerley
Richard Linton Richard Smith
ORDERS ABOUT THE FIRST DEUISION OF MEDOW.
25 : 4**» : mon 1655 The towne meet about a first deuision of medow
and ordred and agreed as followeth.
Itt is this day ordred that a deuision of medow shall bee Laid out, with
all Convenient Speed, of fower accors to a hundred pound estate : As it
is entered into the towne booke, to be deuided by I^ott, And it is agreed
to begin at the south medow, and soe to the medow by Gibsons hill, and
42 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
to quasaponikin medow, and all medowcs koowne on the neck, and soe
com 10 Ihe vpniostt medow on Nashaway riuer, and the Still riuer, and soe
follow ihetn downwards to tlie jilum trees, And soe Round to the ponds,!
and wataquadock and such medowes as are knowne. or shall be found. vntiUV
tenn actors to a hundred pound bee made vpp : And it is ordred andil
agreed, and men chose to surueie eurie mans Loll of medow: And h
Judge theirof, that eurie man may haue, as neare to equalitie as may i
truth and faithfullnes be Judged of, bj- the men herafter mentioned, Thay
is to say William Kerley Sen. Sleeuen Gats, William Kerley Jui
Ralph Houghton.
After fower accors to a hundred pound was Laid out and pfecto
with the allowances, the Layers out called the townc togather the lo^'s i
the 5"' ; mon 1655 who acted as followeth. It is this day ordred a
agreed by a voat of the towne no man desenting. that the act of Laytn|
out meddowes. In the firsl deiiision. of fower acvora 10 a hundred pounlL
mate, as it is alredie Laid out. the towne will maintain and defend, agains
all suits and encumbrances wliateuer. And at the same time the same day,l
the towne drew Lolls, for a second deuision of raedow of six ace
hundred pound state. And the Layers out went afterward to Laying it out,f|
but it would not hold out to glue to eurie one soe much, And theirfore the
(..ayers out of medow called the lowne logather againe. And the towne
wholy disanuled what was done in that Later deuision of medow, because
it would not reach to glue to eurie man. but many would haue beenc ,
without.
^uasaponikin and Wataqtiadock are named here for th^a
first time. The contraction Ponikin appears first in 1718.J
This is uniformly the spelling used by the earlier clerks,*
who were familiar with the Indian speech, and by the besn
authorities since. Ponakin is a modern innovation, li
no claim to be perpetuated. A similar name, ^osofaaet-
gofi, was applied to a Groton meadow. Here t
attached to the broad area of intervale, the hill, and the
brook, which retain it today. The published vocabularies']
of Indian words give no clue to its meaning, unless there ii
an echo of it in ^lascacanaquen, which a writer i
New Hampshire Historical Society's Collections tells uaP
means "entirely full of water."
The meaning, descriptive of the Bolton range of 1
hidden in the Indian word IVatagitadock, has not beei
found, though long sought. Of local names about Laticas>.f
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 43
ter none has experienced more varied spelling at the hands
of clerks and historians. The later methods seem in no
way improvements upon Ralph Houghton's first attempt to
render into English syllables the word as he heard it from
native lips, in 1653. In the town records we find Wata-
quadoke ^656 and 1659, Wataquadocke 1658, Wadaqua-
dock 1718, all nearly the same in sound with the first above.
Joseph Willard, Esquire, in 1826, preferred Wataqtiodoc.
Reverend Peter Whitney gave us in 1792, Wattoquottock!
It was not until the Indian tongue was forgotten in Lancas-
ter, and the recorders were unusually illiterate, that such
outr6 orthography as Waterquaduc and Wattoquoddoc
crept in.
A leaf is here missing from the records. No contempo-
rary notice is elsewhere found respecting this meeting of a
board of arbitration, ten of whose *' determinacions " are
lost to our histor}'. The provision in the covenant for the
ending of disputes by arbitration was presumably the
authority for assembling the board.
ARBITRATORS AWARD OR DETERMINACIONS.
11'^ Complaint of Tho : Sawyer . fFor Thomas Sawyers Complaint
about his want of fine accors of Entervaile Land, wee say it was Laid out
by those apoynted by the towne according to order, And if he or any
other may mesure their Land soe Laid out And accept vpon that ground,
then all may as well haue Libertie to doe the same And then noe end will
be Herin and theirfore we cannott alter it.
12*** Complaint about records for want of ye same, ffor the Com-
plaint of the want of recording Land in the towne booke, for help Herin,
wee apoynt Ralph Houghton for that worke for the present vntill further
order be taken.
13 Complaint for want of Land Laid out, Wheras diuers Com-
plaints for the want of Land being Laid out according to their grant, wee
Herby declare, that the towne is with car & wh^t speed they may, to sat-
isfie all those Complaints, in their Lawfull demands herein.
14 Complaint of Jo : farer ffor John ffarers Complaint for want of
his accomodacions Laid out to him Considring his pson being soe Long
hear. And also his expenc being as it was. wee cannot butt grant him his
_I.L.
_•_-
' -!-nr T'^T*
- ' m T^«■t
m: r-r ?:*
^t*;
- • 4
MASSACHUSETTS,
1643 -172s.
45
bee pleased to enlarge their estat soe they shall enlarge theirin answrably,
And this 10 be raised according to ihe order incerted in the towne Booke.
23. difrinc odout orders in the town boot. Wheras their was a diiT-
rence amongst them Concerning sum orders in the towne book in deuidtng
o( Land, our detirminacons are herin as tblloweth, Imprifnis that for the
fret deuision of Enterv-aile Land eurie man shall pay one penny by the
accor yearly to eurie thirtie pounds to all rats for Church and towne and
wh^C shall be wanting theirin shall bee made vp pporcioning eurie manK
cstai vpoii goods and other improued Lands. And our Conclusion is that
n other deui^ions all men shall com theirto according to their estats.
24. Ministry Land. Wheras their was by an onier of the towne
- fortie accors of enterraile Land giuen for the ministrie for ppetuity, buted
. and bounded though not Laid out. And wheras their was twenty accors of
this giuen to Henric Kerley without that due Consideracion as might haue
. beene, our delerminacion is Iheirfore that the said Henrie Kerley shall re-
■ linquish this tiventie accors vp for the end for which it was intended. And
he shall haue Liberde to take vp twentie liue accors of enteriaile Land in
Lew of that befor e^presed in any place yett vndisposed. And for his ex-
pence and charge herin, he shall improue the said Land soe Long as vntill
he shall bee satisAed for his charge soe expended, according to the towne
rdcr in that cas pviding. Simos Willard
dated and Conlirmed this 25'" Edward Johnson
of Aprill 1656 1656 Witnes our hands Edmund Rice
CONCORD WAY IN LANCASTER.
27: 3; mon; 1656. Wee whose hands are herevnto pui being Chose
by Concord and Lancaster, to laj' out the Cuntrie highway betwixl the said
townes within the bounds of Lancaster, haue acted and Concluded that the
, Cuntrie highway sltall goe as folowelh ; the place from whence we took
: our begining is at the highway Kuning betwixl the Lot of John Prescott
aoA John Mores Loll. And soe Runing on the east side the ministers
. house, and ouer the north Riuer by Lawrence Waters house, and soe ouer
Penico6ke Riuer neare to the house of Edward Breke, and soe ouer ihe
Entervaile and through Swane Swamp where the towne hath alreadie
marked out a highway for thcmselues and soe along to a litle pine tree on
' the north side of Wataquadoke hill. And soe along the old path, or wher
' may be most Convenient within the bounds of Lancaster.
Cbokge Wheller John Smadi^v
John Roper Ralph Houghtov
This, our earliest counly road, started from the present
highway somewhere near the cross roads in South Lancas-
ter, and ran northerly to the first church, which crowned
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 47
Lancaster the 6*^ of the 11**^ mon 1656.
The deposition of Lidia Cibie Aged about 19 years. Vpon the Last
Lord^s daye goodwife gats being called forth in the publique Congrega-
don to acknowledge an ofence donagainst Master Rowlandson, I heard
mary gats speake to Sergant Kerly that he would goe and speake, he said
noe for it will giue ofence. Ofence — said shee. Lett those take ofence and
be hanged all, if they will.
Sara Waters Aged 20 years witneseth, That shee heard mary gats at
the same time speaking to Sargant Kerly. She said Lett them take ofence
and be hanged all, If they will.
these weare both taken vpon oath the 27*** of the ii'*» mon 1656 before
me. Simon Willard.
I Mary gates doe acknoleg that whearas 1 have spoke sumthing not long
aence at this place that was mater of joste offence and uery sinfull, I am
hertely sory for it and doe desire the Congregtion to pas it by, and I shall
endever by the helpe of god not to alowe myself in any such practes.
this was acknoledged in publick in our hearing.
William Kerly Juner
WiLLL^M Kerly Sener
Henry Kerly.
April 7 1657. This Court grants an Attachment agst Mary Gates of
Lanchaster, and to J no. Prescott a bill of costs for himselfe & witnesses
being 24* to be pd by the said Gates and shee is to appeare at y^ next Court
to Answ*^ y* Compl* of the said Prescott & James A therton for her sinfull
Cariage in the assembly on >-* Lords day.
To the honoured (iovernour. Deputy Governour with the rest of the
honoured magistrats assembled at the County Court holden at Charlestown
the 16 of this instant lune 1657, In most humble wise sheweth and com-
plaineth, and . . [a line worn off in fold] . . petitioner Mary Gats of
Sudbury lat of Lancaster was summoned to appeare at the County Court
held at Cambridge the seaventh of A prill last past and did not, your peti-
tioner thought that full satisfaction had been giuen befor the honoured
Maior Willard for the offence, also acknoleilgement and satisfaction was
£uther rendered by your petitioner to all or any persons at lancaster, whom
it might concern, further your petitioner was informed that if shee did ap-
peare by an agent it might be exepted, hence what your petitioner did was
out of ignorance and not of any contempt of athoryty or aversnes farther
to acknoledge the euill of my rash spech and shall be at your mercy, sub-
mitting to your fauorable sensur, allways praying for you.
Mary Gats.
23 „ 4 ,, 1657. Mary the daughter of Steuen Gates of Lanchaster
being complained of to this Court for bold and vnbeseeming speeches vsed
y-i^J..A
AV\'A:,> of LAN castes
^ dw: f^'jidfijut A**«L'jirx ^c. rst Lcri& is-, yn' isoeziaZlT ^gs Mr Raw-
stt^ji, wrvHrjsr 'X ^^j^ m-^jtc ±i£r^ znt trri^tnDt irtun^zc i ^i f jrrili br the
Wjcserk «** art o* fit whi v rocarct ^c tii» Ccotl tat sd itair Gales
af^j^Asinxie ^ O/ar. fr<Bt;. , Acicacrv-jesCcfer: scr rr-a: rrv- Lb c oa , the Court
aosBb^yxowrtJC JMT. dt ordem: the sbrtae s^bcisr paj tse WitiMSses their
L^nuLifVtT Z4* ?r* 56. Trd* =ay C3cr±5* rit H:>accDHi Cdort that w«c
iart: '.zy>crt<: ICl;;/^ Hvj^zoz, (T^srk^ :>: :be Wdts, Wlraes oar hands
Thomas Ko'mzjisij^ys joas Ruog
1^6 2^ Mav. "Lasca^icT alias Nas-hasav. BiDerLin. & Chcfansftyrd"
were pr^ewmtod to the grand jur) sbr not sending reco^i: ot - theiie meeting
Um nfjauta:6oTi of maj^«»t7axs y^ ytsu past.' A: the jury tboDd a bill 7^ of
2* ■* 1657-
1^7. ^\'be^eas wee vbose names are vndenrritten (being the freemen
of Laiiicaftter) were summoned by marran: to send some one to answer a
(^e%e&tineDt for our neglecting to send in o' votes ibr Nomination of Mag-
istrates, we have intrtated John Prescott at psent Constable, to return our
JJefence into the Honoured Court, whereby we intreate the Honoured
Court to consider that the Reason whv wee sent them not was onelv because
wee were not called i-pon according to order.
WlLXlAM Kerly
Thomas Rowlaxdson
WiLUAM (O) Lewis
Thomas (F) Sawyer
23: 4: 1657. Steeuen Gates late const, of Lanchaster. being openly
convicted in Court of his Breach of the law in not sumoning the freemen
of that Towne to giue in their votes for nomination of magistrates, is fined
according to law, ten pounds.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
1657. In answer to the peticon of Steeuen Gates, humbly desiring }•• no
fine may Ix; inflicted on him for his neglect in not warning the fi'eemen to
giue in their votes for magist', he being at y* tjme sicke, & hauing pd
tenn »hillingK for entering his peticon, the court graunts his request.
[ Massachusetts Records.]
Vpon occasion & in answer to the peticon of Concord Lancaster &c, the
Court doe graunt to the inhabitants of Concord & Lancaster,
and Huch as they shall associate vnto them, according to the tenor of theire
petiCon, lil>erty to erect one or more iron workes w**»in the Ijmitts of theire
oune towne bounds, or in any coition place neere therevnto..
[ Massachusetts Records.]
: «.«al.L- ^.'.-li^- AtZs. ^
MASSACHUSETTS. [643 - 1725. 49
Works were soon in operation at Concord, and it seems
certain that some attempt was made to establish in Lancas-
ter the manufacture of iron from ores dug out of the bogs or
fished from the poods. Iron for smiths' use then cost over
twenty pounds sterling per ton. The first forge in America
had been successfully at work in Raynham for four or five
years, and John Prescott, perhaps, ever watchful as he was
of public needs, and stimulated by the high price, planned
a bkiomery in connection witii liis saw-miil, which probably
stood on the site now occupied by the Bigelow Carpet Com-
pany's dam. This at least is certain ; slag and cinders,
such as accumulate at a forge, were once to be seen strewn
about the embankment of a long disused d;im in that lo-
cality. But bog ore, though found in various places
near, was nowhere in deposits rich enough to make iron
manufacture profitable.
COI'PIE OF A I'ETTICION' TO THE GENRALL COURT FOR
A COMITIE.
To ilie Honoured Court our Honoured gouemerdepuHegouerner with the
rest of Ilie magestiats the asistants and deputies
The humble peUicion of the inhabiiance of ihe Towne of Lancaster
agreed oa by a genrall voate of tlie lowne wliose hands are vnderwriten
Shewelh. That wheras sundrie [jsones in ihis towne the Last year all (he
genrall Court by pelicion. did obtaine the full Libertie of a plantacion lo
Choose selectmen and to order our prudencialls as other townes doe, sup-
osiog the towne lo bee furnished for thai purpose, But now vpon this
short time of experienc this plantacion finding ourselues vnable to act
and order our prudencialls by publique towne meetings, as a towne body
by reson of many inconveniences and encumbrances which wee find that
way. nor by selleclmen by reson of the scarcitie of freemen (being but 3
three in number) we want Libertie of Choic, And the Law requires (as
your peiicioners doe Conceiue) the greler voal of them that act to be
freemen.
The premises being Considred your peticioners doe humbly Craue
that the Honoured Court would be pleased to take our Condicion into
their Considracion, and apoynt a comilie invested with power from the
gcnrall Court to put vs into such a way of order as wee ar Capable of, or
any other way which the Honoured Court may Judge safest, and best both
for the present and future good, of vs and our towne and those that are lo
50 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
suceed vs, And such a Comilie soe apoynted and koc impowred. majr-l
stand till they bee able to make returne to the Eenrall Court that the towne I
is suAsiantly able to order our prudenciall ifaires according as the Law re-
qtiires, which if it shall please this Honoured Court to grant vnto vs, wee
shall remaioe further obliged. And as we ar in dulie bound Continue lo
pray for you.
COURTS GRANT OF A COMITIE.
Alt a geniall Court held ai Boston May 6'*> 1657. In answer to the
peticion of the Inhabitance of Lancaster This Court Judgeth it meet lo
grant their request. And doe iheirforc order and apoynt Maior Simon
Witlard, Caplaine Edward Johnson and Thomas dainforth Comisioners.
impowering them to order the a^ires of the said Lancaster. And 10 heare
and determine their seurall dilfrences and greeuances which obstruct the
present and future good of the towne, standing in power till they bee able
to make retume to the genrall Court that the towne is sufisiantly able to
order its owne affaires according to Law.
t'era Copia Tho.iias danforth
ORDERS OF THE COMITIE.
The Comisioners apoynted by the genrall Court to order and setle the
afaires of Lancaster, being asembled at John Frescois house September y*
eight 1657 hauiDg heard the seurall informacions and Complaints of both
pties, and reueued the records of the said towne, doe Judg meet to order
and Conclud as foiloweth (i e)
1. SeUclmen. That master John Tinker William Kerley Sen John,
Prescott Ralph Houghton and Thomas Sawyer, shall bee and are hcrby
impowered to order and manag the prudenciall afaires of the said tovrtie,
ffor this year next ensuing and vntill sum others be allowed and Confirmed'
by the Comisioners in their steed and place.
2. Enairagi master RoTvlaudsoH. That the said Selecttmeo take Care,
for the due encuragment of ma<iter Rowlandson who now Laboureth
amongst them in the ministrie of gods holy word. And alsoe that they
take care for erecting a meeting house, pound and stokes. And that
they see to the Laying out of towne and Countrie high waies and the
towne bounds, and the making and executing of all such orders and by^
Lawes as may be for the Comon good of the plac (i e) respecting Come
feilds, medowes. Comon pasturag Land, fences, herding of Catell and re-
straint of damage by swine and for the recouring of ihos fine* and
fortitures that are due 10 the towne from such psones as haue takei> vp
land and not fulltilled the Condicions of theire respectiue grants wberbyJ
the Comon good of the Plantacion hath beene and yett is much obstnicted.
t
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
51
3. Paymt. of tmvne debts. That they lake Care for the payment of
all towne debts and for that end they are herby impowred to make such
Levies or rats from time to time, as they shall see ncedfull for the dis-
char^ of the Comon Charges of the lowne. And [n Case any of the
inhabilance shall refuse or neglect to mak due payment both for quality
and quaodtie upon resonable demand, they may then Levie the same by
distresse, And are impoweret! alaoe to take :■ mor and aboue such line
or Rate as is due lo bee paid for the saclsladon vnto your oticer that
taketh the distress for his paines theirin.
4. manor of astsmcnls. That In all their asesments. all Lands apro-
priated. (Land giuen for addittions excepted) shall bee valued ii
p accor and the broken
.tervailc the broken at fowerlie
thirlie shillings ihe accor, and
ali rates to the minislrie The
according to the towne order,
ensuing, .\lsoe thai the
foUowing (i e) home Lotts.the vnbroken
vp at thirtie shillings by the accor the
shillings the accor and the vnbroken
medow Laod att thirtie shillings, and
home Lotts to pay tenn shillings p a[
And this order to Continue for fine y
selectmen tak spesiall Care for the preseruing and safe keeping the lownes
Records. And if they see it need full, that ihey pcure Ihe same to bee
wrilen our fairly into a new booke, to be keept for the good of posterity,
ihe charge wherof to bee borne by the pprietors of the said Lands
respeciiuely.
5. Honc fried from Rals vnless Ihey relinquish iinder hand. That
noe man be freed from the Rates of any Land granted him in pprietie
eccept he mak a release and full resignation theirof vnder his hand, And
doe aisoe relinquish and surender vp 10 the vse of the lowne, his home
Lotl Intervaile and medow. all or none.
6. aciomndacotts for $ or 6: be Left before 2 deuision. That their be
accomodacions of Land reserued for the meet encuragment of fine or six
able men to com and Inhabit in the said place (i e) as may bee helpful!
lo the encuragment of theworke of god their, and the Comon good of the
place, A nd that no second deuision be Laid out vnlo any man vntill those
Lotts bee seit aple for thai vse ; by the selectmen, that Is to say home
Lotts eniervaile and medow.
7. Master Rirwlandsens deed of gift. The Comisioner.i doe Judg meet
to Confirme the deed of gift made by the towne vnto master Rowlandson
(i e) of a house and Land which was sett a part for the vse of the minis-
trie bering date i"^ e" mon 1657 vpon Condicion that master Rowlandson
remoue not bis habitacion from the said place for the space of ihree yearc
next ensuing, rnlesse the said Inhabitance shall consent theirto, And the
Comisioners aproue theirof.
8. fo. Prescots highway. That the highway Laid out through John
Prescotis Land, be remoued vnto the place wher formerly it was Laid out.
52
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
9. Steeuen ^ais hath'tioe right to a Lott. That Stecoen gats hath noc
right to those Lands claimed by him from this said plantadon.
10. John RigU liath right to \oacors of Intervale. That John Rigbie
hath right to tenn accors of Enter\aile to be Laid out to him by the select
men.
1 1 . Thomas Sawyer, 5 acars entervaile. That Thomas Sawyer bath
right to ^xLt accors of Entervaile to be Laid out to him by the select men.
12. Jo: Afar 3 accors medo. That John More shall haue three accors
of medow Laid out to him by the selectmen to enioy the same to him and
his heires for euer, on Condicion that he remaineth an Inhabitant in the
said plac for three yeare next ensuing the Lords hand by death excepted.
13. Lands bought by Master Tinker. That those Lands bought by
master John Tinker of goodman Knight bee Confirmed to him and his
heires for euer. And that master Tinker be accomodated in deaisions of
Land after two hundred pound estate.
14. goodtnan PVaters acomodacions. That the selectmen Layout vnto
Lawrence Waters what he yett u'anteth of his Just acomodadons in any
place that is Comon, att the Choice of the said Waters. And that what
Land the said Waters shall be without for more then six monthes after the
date Herof he ^hall bee freed from the rates theirof pvided He shall neuer
after make any claime theirto.
finally agst inmates. That none be entertained into the towne as in-
mates, tenants, or othen^'ise to inhabit within the bounds of the said
towne, without the Consent of the selectmen or the maior pte of them,
first had and obtained, and entered in the record pf the towne as their act,
vpon penalty of twenty shillings p month both to the pson that shall soe
offend by intruding himselfe, And alsoe to the pson that shall ofend in
receiuing or entertaining such pson into the towne.
Priualedges &* voats. And that noe other pson or psones whatso-
euer shalbe admited to the Inioyment of the priualedges of the place and
towneshipp. Either in accomodaccions vets elections or disposalles of any
of the Comon priualedges and interests theirof. saue only such as haue
beene first orderly admited and accepted (as aforsaid) to the enio^-ment
theirof.
By vs C Simon Willard
) Edward Johnson
C Thomas danforth
SEURALL ORDERS OF THE SELECTMEN.
I. about recording Land. First of the ii***: mon. 1657: The Select-
men meet at John Tinkers house. They order that eurie inhabitant of
the towne that hath Lands Laid out to them for tim past. They do bring
a pfect List of quantitie qualitie plac and manor of Lying of their said
ifc!-r_"' "^ L ..■^.i*
^P Lands
H^ the Cla
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
53
I
Lands with Lheir seurall buls aad bounds betweene tliis and July nexl to
Ihe Clarke of the Towne. ^¥llo is apoynted by this order fairly Id retord
the same, in a booke to be keept as the townes Records for after posterity,
And to preueni any difirence which may after arise through mistakes for-
getfultnes or otherwise, in that pticuler, and the Clarke is alowcd foner
pence for recording eurie vpiand Lotl. and fower pence for eurie eaiervaile
Lot!, And for eurie accor of medow one penny, And for the Coping out
of what hee recordeth. to ihose that desire it he is to haue halFe soe much
as for recording. The like to be done by those 10 whom Lands be granted
afterwards in one month after their Lands are Laid out,
3. for waul of Land auordin^ to grant. That because some haue
Complained they haue not all the Land Laid out that is granted to them,
and som of iheir Lands are short of what they were Laid out for. And for
which they Constantly pay rats. It \9. ordred that If any Ihe inhabitance
shall Complaine and make it out vpon Just proofe they are short of Iheir
due, in poynt of Lands, it shall bee made good to them in such place as is
vndisposed of piided all such Complaints be made beefore the Last day of
September next, vnto the selectmen.
AigAwaiei amply recorded. Eight of the 12"': raon 1657. The
Selectmen meet at goodman Kerleys, They ordred that at! bighwaies
Laid out and allowed for the towne and Countrte vse. be amply recorded,
for posteritie. and the way markes bee yearly repaired by slakes or other*
highway iH Tho: Sawyers eiitervaile. That the ground Left fiue
Rods widnes through goodm.in Frescots Entervaiie for a way be staked
out two Rods and halfe wid for a highway and soe much as is Left to bee
dealt out toward Ihe satisfiing of Thomas Sawyer Ids fiue accors wanting
of his due of tweniie accors entervaiie, And granted by the Comittie,
gateii in Comnn fetldi. Monday the 15"'; 12; mon 1657 The Select
men meet at the house of Ralph Houghton. They agree that it is neses-
carie that their bee fiue gales made and mantained at fiue senrall places in
the entervailes on the east side of N.-ishaivay Riuer, for the more Conven-
ient pasing along the highwaies. which lycth through the Corne feilds.
where the fences are made against the Comons, And Comon pasturage
Lands To say. at the entrance of that Comon feitd against good man
Whits : two gates att the places where that highway paseth through Ihe
two outside fences. Three gates at the outside of the fences alt the three
places where the high waies enter into those feilds on both sides Nasha-
way Riuer on the South side of the North Riuer. and doe or<ler. That
those that are the pprietors of those Lands aforsaid doe Joyntly agree.
And they or eilher of them are to make a gate att each place aforesaid,
verie sufisiaot, and vsfuU hung and fitted by midsumer day next, And to
1 \:^ i - c ' i7 - • V- " 1 c
\_ * '■ • ^
Tir»n=iinc "ne ^mc -r^.m --lie :a "zm.^. \za ne Ji:::r:unr of ibc charge
::ie:rif r^ :e ^-u»tn. ara •ne x^Toti. x :e* ^a lac r'fc'h.r. j c ti by ihc
. jr:L' Tizy rtir-^L- -nrri fttrr:.i. _ jsi Ji "nann aeat iac aoc eunc
;'^ir» n '±!e aiti Tiunrn -san jce ttjii 3«ss ii^uzKti. -w^c iiri beeae for-
nery .moiu'-'s: .n la -nst mr jt - iiia-rriies. -vira ;ae nor 'ay^ied »-iih
iiin. -c '^••'^.•v ill uiiTvaies i^ij—iiiri ir : i ii vl iar Zimcc V5«. in 2nd
i;:i3ur :ae Tc^vTie . A:ii; tu ?e:r "iic wn." iiarsss :c sneiaat rj be noted
Sc'tJ uu^~.\ V T'le fen^jmes "jii-x-itt ti«s«: lad ice .xxier. xhsLZ soc
M-.onc; ia iJ Z-irir-i-^e Li:iiii icujc^aai :a :ne ir« iciu-sica ':r Laid out.
Thich IS :u :ct; ictie -FTtn ill Jjn''*;menr soctri. Tjj: the sowne doe
Z.:me ill roci^-'^r izc im-v Ijcts- xt -iseu* «cjaii ieoisioa ^^f £nter\'aile
■vr.ich slu^l :e^.n:e vier -je ir« icusion ^nus ioii iixts±s«i Ci3«rae the
r.uer x :he f;::^! -r:*:tr Lac 2*:e :c;:nii x'^vari:? tisis ;:iiiun trees. Asd other
places , -v'ler :;a:tfr.-i.'e .s X'unii •■3c:*c«:s<i*i :f is iiur^saic- \ aoc eacreach-
.n^T •:-:t:[i in; :cmer :rier "n^Lll "Je vncit; :Dt:'ii<i.oa re Corapleiied
^^■'fz:9uz.t I't^: ^~-- '■'" .fr.-r.iM.-. M :aca;' .■* ir^c oc'iiie srst 3on 1657
i c:^ rr.e va^ie ::'vic: ne<:. mc :je :rier> node ': •■ the selectmen, was
niOxi :g ::iera T'^e licr^r; ::.- iS. rie :rier> i.ics^t :3ii: :t the ^if: w good-
nan Vv'*;::e. Aic - .s -fieirirrt; Jr:ssei ::edu* le i^eoreti aot to speak
II MS )wne Cauie.
7*112 ;:.a:n -v^'-r-. Mi :e-n .^-c? .rrnc*;'! :'i~arri:r* a: x? -c t-ot 1:: jlt 'TI mrszery
v.,,.7 t;.-^-^-;-. .--.^v •.-■ >,;.-■ /:_■ J ■«.- >: /.-^^ ^Tv ;»•' wcji' John Rigbic
La: es :« ■ ' v le la! : .: : s ^1 - i«s Lo c: mc i 7. : j r- ■ i. ! c A 3ii r^ serie :h :e :in accors
jf -?a»::i *: iin?.. A::i: :> L^: v^'-i .Vmi iz^'s .< ^^^^^ him a Spt^n^ of
Tj i?r:i : ' V i.N 1 : .1 ' r' i - c r c "i :: ^ : r. . : .ie ; i 'i. r: ~j^;; : r>j k- izd west f the h igh-
▼i/ 1:1:0:7.:-;^ T:i:r-i .t ".es**; rvi; icj-rj.. s:e dir ia it Sa:i^th north and
=irj:th.
If *-:....:: .'// ,v >:.: >._• ^z.t:'. NLT^ca: M-kicad is admited an Inhab-
ra.-»r. i.-.'.; inzii^i :.i-r- iJLvr* ce vylozd :cr i "tccLsc Loct and tean accors
y ^.T\r. T.-:-. :t5? The >ele'-trne:*. Tt^itt it ^oodixan Prescois and
''■'.^< .'.i.:--. H :';:^ri:.^;i ind jic-js? rarer :j rii'ie-v the T^arkes ot and tor
."ift -...i--. \\.-t>. i-:::rr::.-:^ :o titc order T:ade t>.e 15: \z nios last past no:
.^
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735.
Monday 3'": of the 3'': mon 165S. On the Certaine intelligence of
master Rowlandsoos intent of rcmoning from vs, the selectmen, treated
with him 10 know what his minde was : And his answer was his apre-
hentions were Clearer for his going, then for staying. They replied they
feared his aprehenlions were not well grounded, but desired lo Icnow his
resolucion. He said his resolutions weare according lo his aprehencions,
for oil hee linew: Then the selectmen, Considering It was a case of
nesesiiie for the towne. to look out for other suply, they told master
Rowlandson that now they did Looke vpon Ihemselues as destitut of a
ind should be forced to endeuor after si
e discharging
dehat -mith Master Rmi'lattdson. ffriday the 14"' : of the 3"'
seoger Came from Belerica to fetch n
which the towne (hauing notice giuen tb
to desire him to stay and setle amongst v
voated as followes.
Rowlandson away, vpon
1) Came logather, with intent
And after some debate it was
I. Voat for invitacon. Whethi
invite master Rowlandson lo abide .
of the
r it weare the mind of the towne, to
nd setle among.st them, in the worke
The voat was affirmitiue by the hands of all held vpp.
J. Whether it was their mind lo allow him for his mantainance fiflie
pounds a yeare, one halfe in wheal. si>:pence in the bushell vnder the
Curant prises at Boston and Charlstowne and the rest la other good Cur-
rant pay in like pporcion. or otherwise fiflie and tiue pounds a yeare, tak-
ing his pay att such rats, as the prises of Corne are sett eurie yeare by the
Court. The voat was alirmitiue by the hands of all held vpp :
3. gift of house and Land to master Roailattdson. Whether they were
wilting that master Rowlandson should liaue the dwelling house, which he
Liued in as his owne pp right according lo the deed made by the towne
and Confirmed by the Comittle, with the poynt of Land estward and sum
Land west and sum north of his house, for an orchard garden yards pas-
lure and the like. This was put to the voale. and granted by the maior
pte (and opposed by none but old goodman Kerley only their was a tieuler
or Iwo) with this pviso. that it hindred not ihe buring place the high-
waies. Convenient spac to passe to the Riuer, And the Land Intended
to Ly for the next minister, to bee reserued Convenient to the entervaile
Loit now improued by Henry Kerley, alt which was Left to the sellect
men 10 Lay out according to their best discresion.
master Rowlandson s acceptance. And vpon this master Rowlandson
accepted of ihe townes invltacion. And gaue them thankesfor their grant.
And agreed to the mocion Concerning his maintinance, And pmised to
56 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
abide with vs in the best manor, the lord should enable him to improue
his giftes in the work of the ministrie.
grant of sum emtervaiU to John White. Tusday 22'-^: of June the
sellectroen meet at the meeting house all but goodman Kerley, and agreed
That vpon serious Consideracion ^pon the request of goodman White for
the Land he hath plowed & fenced in the enten-aile towards the still
riuer (hauing entred damage for want of his right in after deuisions being
demanded &c) it is granted he shall haue it as his pprietie in pte of his
after deuisions according as it is now fenced being mesured to bee about
seauen accors :
A MOCION ABOUT A SAW MILL MADE BY GOODMAN PrESCOTT.
Munday y* 15: of the 9***: mon: 1658 att a training A mocion was
made by goodman Prescott about seting x-p a saw mill : That on Condi-
cion goodman Prescott would sett x-p a saw mill, for the good of the towne
he should haue according to his desire viz : one pcell of Land Lying neare
to his water mille Containing more or lesse one hundred and twentie
accors ; bounded by the riuer and his owne Land, the end of a ledge of
Rokes, and a stake, Joyning to his owne Land on the south west side of
the mill pond : To bee to him and his posterity for euer in Consideracion
abouesaid; And is to be more exactly reiX)rded when exactlv knowoe,
alsoe that hee shall not be rated in any Rates for towne or Countrie for his
sawes or saw mill, to be imposed by the towne, also for his said Land, he
is not to pay any rats ^ill it Com to bee improued. And then to pay as
improued Lands vse to doe And vpon this grant goodman Prescott did
pmise and engag to sett vp a saw mill, in the towne bounds, with all Con-
venient speed. And that the inhabitants of the towne, should bee suply
with boards and other sawing on such termes as is vsually aforded att
other saw milles in the cuntrie.
On Monday 17^: of tfeb: 1659 ^^ Company granted him to £%!! pines
on the Comons to suply his sawmill.
It was not unusual to transact town business on training
days. Similar examples are found in the records of other
towns. There were by law eight training days in the year,
and every able-bodied male between the ages of sixteen
and sixty was enjoined to be present for drill. These train-
ings were usually on Saturdays. The warning for a town
meeting was a notice given by the constable in person to
each voter, or from house to house. '"Att a training" would
<. .[ *c
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 57
therefore be a very convenient season for a special town
meeting.
Before' Prescott started his saw-mill, all houses of the
town must have been rude structures of logs, hewn timber,
stone and clay, for it was an impossibility to bring from the
lower towns over the existing roads, and on the rude cart
of the period, any large amount of sawn lumber. As lime
was made only of oyster shells until about A. D. 1700, it
was necessarily very costly. The first limestone discovered
in the colony was at Newbury in 1697, and that in Bolton
not much before 1736 probably, when Priest and Hough-
ton's ''Lime Kyln" is mentioned in records. Roofs were
often thatched, following the English custom. Thus, in
the inventory of Steven Gates' estate, A. D. 1662, we find
the item "thatching tools, 3' 6''." Chimneys were at first
of logs well coated with clay, or of stone. The very old
dwelling torn down in South Lancaster about 181 2, behind
the Moses Sawyer house, had stone chimneys, as did that
of Manasseh Divoll on George Hill. When frame houses
were built, the timbering was very heavy, commonly of
oak, boarded and covered with "clove boards." One of
the first roadways westward into the woods was known
about 1700 as the "clabord path," and in the inventories of
the period that essential instrument in the riving of staves,
shingles, and clapboards, the froe^ is often mentioned. It
would be natural at first for builders to rest content with a
single story, for few pioneers could aflTord more ; but after
1658, with Prescott's saw-mill in successful operation,
doubtless a few more pretentious structures arose. Daniel
Hudson, a brickmaker and mason, was here resident in
1651. Nails, large and small, and all other articles of
constructive hardware were made laboriously by hand upon
the smith's anvil. Paint was unknown.
The complete destruction of all the dwellings in 1676,
and the entire absence of any hint as to the construction or
plan of a single building in the records of the day, leave
58
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
US to pure conjecture as to their appearance. All we know
about the Ruwiandson house is. that it had one flanker and
another in process of building, and Hubbard mentions
"a leanter." Neither is there anything detiniie on record
respecting the church, the garrisons, or dwellings of the
second generation in Lancaster. Sawyer's garrison had
"gales," which implies a palisade. Gardner's garrison had
an elevated "watch box," " flanker,'" and a "parade." all
which is meagre description. If. however, we examine the
most ancient houses yet standing in various parts of the
commonwealth, and the representations of older ones that
have disappeared, we can form from their more uniform
characteristics some reasonable opinion respecting the com-
mon style of early Lancaster architecture. In nine-tenths
of the dwellings of that era in Massachusetts, as pictured
til us in engravings, or the recollections of the aged, the _
roof will be t'ound a modification of one of two forms.
When the house was two storied in front, it was most con)^
monly but one at the rear, the roof slope on that side ex-^
tending down to within nine feet or less of the ground.J
sometimes with a change of pitch on a level with the fronts
eaves. Another less common form was the gambrel roofj
used on both one and two storied houses. Plain two pitched 1
roofs were quite rare except for small structures. Some^l
times the upper storj* projected a foot or two over the lower.-
Porches or other irregular features were seldom seen.]
Generally one huge chimney ascended through the center?
of the house. When constructed with reference to defcD-
sive purposes it was usual to line the walls with brick or^
flat stone, to make them bullet-proof. Doors were unpaD- j
eled, with heavy wooden latch and a string hanging out'J
side to lift it by- Windows were square holes in the walla
protected by a board shutter, succeeded later by smaltl
leaden sash with litde diamond-shaped panes of greenishJ
glass. There are those living who remember such sash fl
notably one in the Gates Tavern, The last log house inl
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 59
Lancaster was probably that of Perley Hammond, the
mulatto blacksmith, which stood near the west end of the
Rigby, and on the Boylston road.
about bridges, Monday the 3*** : of the 11"*: mon 1658. The selectmen
mett at Thomas Sawyers and ordred ffor the Bridges ouer nashaway and
the north riuer. It is agreed. That they that are on the neke of Land,
doe make a cart bridge ouer tjie north riuer by goodman Waters, A nd
they on the south end doe make a cart bridge ouer nashaway about ther
wading place att their owne Charges.
SUM ORDERS OF THE COMITIE P'CURED BY MASTER
TINKER. PETICION TO THE COMITIE.
To the worshippfuU maior Simon Willard Captaine Johnson and master
Thomas danforth Comitie for the affaires of Lancaster.
May it please you to vnderstand that since your session with vs, and
Comision granted to such as you weare pleased to intrust in the pruden-
cialls &c : the Lord hath succeeded our endeuours to the setling (wee
hope) of master Rowlandson amongst vs, And the towne in some scilenc
at least, and we hope in a good preparatiue to after peace, yett is it hard
to repell the boylings, and breaking forth of som psons dificult to please
and sum pettie differences, will arise amongst vs, pvide what wee can to
the Contrarie ; wherfore bee pleased to Consider.
1 querie, whether our power alreadie giuen bee not sufisiant, to add a
small penaltie to the breach of our orders made for the good of the towne
each neighbor &c eles it is a sword-toole and no edge.
2 querie. Iff wee may not receiue power from you to hear and deter-
mine of diffrences amongst vs vnder twentie shillings damage otherwise
the opressed in small things beares his burden because tis a greater burden
to goe far for ease
3 querie. If our power reach not to giue, grant. Lotts deuisions, addi-
tions &c of Lands medowes &c : if for good to the whole and ptes &c
which wee see great need theirof.
4 querie. Iff wee may Choose an artist amongst ourselues or other our
neighbours to Lay our townes bounds. And make our returne theirof to
acceptance : because master Thomas danforth and the worshipfull maior
Willard canott be obtained, or either of them.
Honoured gentellmen be pleased to resolue these Cases and vouchsafe
vs an addicion to our power where defectiue in any of theis, as without
which wee are, or seeme, of litle Curage, and by which through gods
asistance wee may bee theirs and yours humbly to serue
John Tinker.
: :..."■. i:-j-i'j' rii Ir-r-i-je doc make reiunie
:: - : vr- :.; :•,: stiecLmen to i moose an v
..: ::■::• :.~j;f:r:iJ! orders not exceeding
: : ■-;:.-; :. i.'r.irii:, ihree meete psons
•_ ■ :... "..->*> ir.i ; resent them to the
.... V:-: ■:.: tr.iizg anv Case vnder
:- :::r :». v-j- :■:" ihe sellect men and not
. • : r.. r.j.4.i ::t:r adresse lo the Com-
? .•'.:• ::" ::e Coisitie to determine
-. •..-.::• ::.'= i.-iIti'jlcc iheirof to their
SlM^N WiLLARD
.-.-.- 3.>- :. Ei^wARD Johnson
Thomas danforth
-. :•:> 7 : : i fairly drawne
■. J-.:---. Ly; :h : from the entranc in
- ..-•.i;: ;-;■;. d;^wne to the S^^-ann
.. '■■ -: : fr.:ro.-^ke riuer: that is bv
. .: . . -.i>:r: Row hndsons ground
- : ■•V:.:*r> h:> h.irne betweene old
.- -^..s ■\::h.'.rc Smithes now in the
:•.-•> --k?ii r-Ji. att the Least fiue
. - . •: :.> .VvT; be on the east side the
: -. : ..-.: >>e :rom goodman Waterses
- . •'. ..-.'.>. r.s :r.e breadth as is Laid out
- >. . :. ^:..v.T..ir. I rcscotts Ry feild and
; - .::>■.-. v'rri^se :he brook and vpp be-
< .: >!.::> r.ue Rods wide; And soe
^ A.-.\ ..._; -.:: >\ :he Concord and Lan-
vs. ■.^■;". .-.is'.v "*mented upon. This
,\ ^ '. x' '. \\Nv\v:. <:..;> :" \ :r. the eastern end and ex-
.. ■," . . 'x- , ...: .;.. .. V :. :':::::er, the last section being
. ■. ; -v \\.;\ ;.Si\: ..: :-c>e:i:. from the Atherlon Bridge
« ■ % % « «
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 61
road west, at right angles with South Lancaster street,
over Roper's Brook and up the hill at the school-house.
IVay to quasaponikin medow, one way : from goodman Waterses barne
to quasaponigin medowes before the houses of goodman gates and both
goodman Josllins &c : as it is Laid out and marked ; fiue rods wide and
in the enteruaile 2 rods wide.
This is essentially the present street from Sprague Bridge
to the North Village cemetery, and the meadows beyond.
To quasaponikin hill, one way : from goodman Breckes house through
the end of his ground, and Ralph Houghtons James Athertons goodman
Whites and goodman Leweises &c, to quasaponikin hill fiue Rods wide.
The same highway is used now, along the east side of
the Neck.
To the mill, one way to the mill att the heads of the Lotts of John
Prescott Thomas Sawyer Jacob fFarer &c fiue Rods wide from the Cuntrie
highway to the mill.
This is, with slight changes at some points, the street
from the county road first noted, to the Prescott mill site in
Clinton, which was on the brook just below the factory
near the foot of Water street.
Street in y* south end of yg^ towne. one way Called the Street or Cross
way: from goodman Kerleyes entervaile and the rest of the entervaile
Lotts : And soe south beetweene the double rang of Lotts : fiue Rods wide
and soetowards washacome when it is past Jacob iTarers Lott: And
alsoe Itt runes thefe'^ame widnes betweene the house Lotts and entervaile
lotts northward to the wall nut swampe :
This is now known as the Back Road, extending from
Walnut Swamp along the eastern base of the George Hill
range, past the school-house, and so south on a direct
course for Washacum Ponds.
from the Cuntrie highway to ye ententaile of Jo : Prescott soe to Wata-
quadoke. one way from the mill way att the end of goodman Prescotts
Ry feeild, to the Entrance of his entervaile fiue Rods wide, And through
the entervailes ouer Nashaway Riuer and the Still riuers, to the outsid
fenc, of Jacob ffarers Lott, two Rods and half wide.
6z
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
This is the road from South Lancaster street over the
Atherton Bridge. A portion of it, east of thfe river, was
discontinued many years ago.
Si'ay to rAt filumirfts &* groteu. Oneway: from that cntervaile way
downe along all the entervailes to the Still riuer and towards grattcti on
ibe easi side of the ritier two rods wide.
The Plumlrees Meadows were in Harvard. This road
had to be discontinued because of frequent damage by
freshets, and the present highway to Harvard, on higher
ground, took its place.
1658. Several facts respecting the family of the first
minister of Lancaster are found in the autograph report of
administration, and accompanying agreement below trans-
cribed from the Middlesex Court files. It is noteworthy
that Master Joseph Rowlandson's mother and brother could
not write their names.
Sept y' 10 58 Wheras Mr Joseph Roletison had letters of Adniinis-
iraEon granted him by Ihe Court held atl Cambridge Aprill 57 in refference
to the estate of Thomas Rolenson Sen', late of Lankester deceased. This
is to lesiilie the said honor" Court, that the said Administrator together
with ihc relict of y' sd Rolenson & the rest ol his Childeren baue melt to-
gether Si haue agreed concerning the dislribucon of the said estate vnto
cache of o' full satisfaccon & content and this wee doe teslilie vnder o'
hands & desier il may be recorded for y" securitie of y" said Administrator.
the marke of (Er) Bridgett Rolenson
Signed in ye p'sence
IS Tho. Brauiil;rv
the marke [R] o
Tho. Rolenson
Richard Wells
John Eaton
Joseph Rowlandson
In all these particulars at o' meeting at Salisbury the 10"' Sept 58 wee
were fully satisfied as followeth.
Imp. That len pounds were due to ihe Administrator from the estate
vpon a cleare accompt.
It That more than one yoake of oxen should not be mentioned in the
Inventory forasmuch as the other yoake was giuen to the three Children of
the Deceased in his life time though vnknowne to the Administrator when
the said inventory was made.
It, That out of what remained after these deductions the widdow of
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 63
the Deceased should receive her thirds, the eldest son (consideration had
of what estate he had from the now Deceased in his life time) should re-
ceive from the AdminisVator sixteen pounds — twenty pounds to the two
daughters wherein they receive equal shares, And that which remains
is the Administrators portion.
This was the result of our agitation, and accordingly I haue acted in
the Distributions that haue beene, and am ready to fullfill what remains at
any time — who Desire to remaine The servant of my mother and
Brethren in what I may.
Joseph Rowlandson
1658. John Whettcombe for and in consideration of three swine killed
and spoiled by his three sonnes, doth hereby promise to pay vnto Steven
Gates the sume of forty fiue shill. in wheate w*Mn a week after michael
tyde next 1658 to be paid at his house in Sudbury the s"* Steven allowinge
for the carriage of the wheate tenn shill 6^.
Dat apr 2, 1658 John Whetcom
28,, 10, 58 Jno. Whetcombe owned this bill in Court to be his act.
Tho : Danf : Record^
To the hono^*^ County Court at Charlestmvn. The humble Petison of
Jno. Whetcome humWy sheweth. That whereas yo' Petitioner hath set
his hand to a note to pay fortie and fiue shillings to Stephen Gates of
Sudbury. It was through my age and weakness that I did not consider of
it that I had no right to pay anything to him, before he did duly make it
apeare that I had damnified him, he did complaine before the deputie
Gou' his worPP. that I or my Sonnes had killed and spoyled three of his
swine in the woods, And made as if we stole them & with many threats
which did somewhat amaze yo*^ petitioner so that I could not declare my
case which is such as I have now gotten to be drawne vpp fairly in wright-
ing» by which it may appeare to this honor' Court that 1 had not wronged
Stephen Gates nor was indebted to him anything for w«'' 1 should agree to
pay him anything. Wherefore yo"" petitioner being aged & weak and
mean in estate hath wronged himselfe and family in loss of so much, be-
sides by this means of glueing satisfaction there is an imputation of theft
cast vppon mee and the family of yo' petitioner (to y^ great Greef being
inoscent in that respect) and we are much defamed in our names and
creditt, and therefore do humbly request this honor^ Court that our case
may be considered, and my bill may be suspended vntill the next County
Court and that then the case may be fully heard on both sides and deter-
mined accordinge to euidenc and equtie and yo*^ petition*^ shalbe redy and
willing freely to yeald vnto what is right and shall thankfully remain
Yo"^ wor»"'' humble servant
John Whetcombe
[Middlesex Court Records.]
The court decided that the bill must be paid.
(",4 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
ORDKRS OF THE SELLECTMEN
ni<»n«Iay th« 7"' : 12"' : mon 1658 the selectmen meet att goodman Pres-
<<)tt.s all except >;oodman Kerley.
I . hii^lnvay by i^oodfnan Kerley. They Consider againe about the high-
w.iy .il»)n;: by goodman Kerley : And they Conclude it the best way and
dt)r orcler that John more John Ru*(g and the rest apoynted to mend that
hi);hway. doe chuse the l)est Range betweene the range of the Lotts, from
the Corner of goodman Smithes Lott to the Corner of John Ruges on a
line, and the brooke And to cut vp the brush of it, to make good that
hij;h\vay and that the way extend on the Lott of John Tinker soe far as
sunu* Corner or IClboe of the brook doe ly Comon to the way and he to bee
nurtly satisfied tor it
J /»/• hivitaiioH to tnaior liliiani i^cnt. They thinke meet and doe
iMder ihai a leter of invitacion bee sent to maior Simon Willard, to com
lo inhabit amongst vs, with such motiucs Concerning accomodacions as
hath beene tornierly ppounded, and the hands of the select men afixed,
And a copie «)t' it leserued.
;. . ./;'•. v// ».v'// /..///i/ titk'ff! jrotfi Tiio SazLyer. at A'ashaway brittjt^.
rho\ Older thai John More and Jacob rtarer take notic of what Land is
lakon out ol Ihonias Sawxers entervaile by the Way to the bridge oucr
Navhaxxax liuer : Anil make report to the sellectmen that he may bee sat-
iNf.rd t\M ii. And aNoe \\\\\\ is they think meet for him to haue in Lew of
It lo be ^.'onliimed.
s \- ^.'v: •■;••. ••...•\ ^•^■ ':,'■. :K That John more mak knowne wlier
'»e *iv'vMCN !i!*- diMvvis ot entervaile. And to l^ee satisfied, what is meet If
::'. vr.vl' '.^luov aN is not Laid o:i! iM' sequestred.
■...■• .I'v. ■.:■:'•"••.' A*.:/.". That master Rowlandsons Rate
•r«* "M^'.x' to; {hr I aNt li.ut \ eare :ust to pay him twenty seauen pound
•.xv*;» n'v." '.ii:;v .»!^; um vi'i.e ii^'.'.nx inj; half \ear >oe much att Rates as paid
;.* ;>,' I ivr.:;o Ka:v Aui. \\\\\ ^ve 'iv.:^ h .v .uieii for the Last half year
«>:; x\ -.^ v',^". ; \'k:.)u \\\ \'^< o,:e! -'.:<o^ of the former Rates to make vp
.:.-■,.- V* a: !av\v^ narer on his request, hath
-K ''.,M.s ; .v; .;\^»','. .;:: .*"!o v'o:\^'. :.^ s.\ . : : he south west Corner shall
1 ••,.';. ;\x* ."i X- I\,N •- ■. -. i ^* no..:^ i^: ^.^ p".:,;-. in : And he is to Leaue
I K.s . >- ^;v w- 1 ^^^ ^^ ;\ \';w,-. • .:> ..^.>. " ':: ^T.6. Thomas Sawyers:
\'.; ., M • .- -.k'^.*"' V".- <t!-.,:; TV en meet att Ralph
;.■..;■■.: when Ensigne Noyce
, .» „, 1... .X .-. ; ..MX-.' • .X ;^.^.^. ■.• : -e-cx: do goe with him
,0 inkt . I .-. . . X V , , . W . .vv • .^, .-.:-.i ;0un4j Jacob &rer to
MASSACHUSETTS, 1643-1725.
Carie ihe Chaine, And such other as Ensigne Noyce shall desire If need
bee. And ihal a bargain bee made first betweene him and the selectmen,
in behalf of the lowne. for his art and paines.
tirdtrs fiir Layers out of LaiiJs and Mts. They doe Conceive it tneet
when any Lands ar granted to be Laid out to any inhabitant, the Layers
out to bee directed by the selectmen where and how. to preuenl after in-
\
Noyes' original return, in Massachusetts Archives, cxii.
page 115, is as follows :
Aprill 7"'. 1659 In obedience to the order of the honoared general!
Court 10 the now inhabilanU of lancaster layd out y bounds of lancaster
accordinge 10 the sayd grants, wee begane at the wading place of
nassua riuer and nitie a Iline three mille vpon a west north west poynt one
degree westerly, and from the end of y* three mIL! we rune two perpendic-
ular lines beinge fiue mills In length each line, the one line runing north
north est one degree northerly, the other line running south south west
one degree southerly wee made right angls ai the ends of the ten mille
line, runing two perpendicular lines, ninninge both of them vpon an east
south east poynt on degree esterly. one of the sayd lines beinge the north
line wee did rune it eight mil! in length the other being the south line,
wee did rune it six mill and a halfe in length and ther meeting w"* the
. which is the line of the plantation granted to the peti-
whos plantation is called Whipsuffrage and so runinge
ir mill wanting thrc score perches to the end of their line at
Angle of Whipsulfrage plantation and from the sayd angle of
Whipsufrage runing six mille and three quarters ther meeting with y fore
sayd east end of the eight mile line and soe period all the sa;d lines and
boaods of lancaster which sayd grants rune eighty square r
The deputyes approue of this returne.
hereto. 14 October 1672.
The magist' consent hereto prouided a farme of a mile square 640 acres,
be layd oilt w'"in this bounds for the countrys vse in such place as is not
already Appropriated to any — their brethren the deputyes hereto consent-
ing. And that Major Willard, Ralph Houghton & Jno Prescot see it donne.
Consented to by y deputyes Ebw" Rawson Secretary
18.8, 72 William Torrev Clerk
It will be seen from above dates that the survey or-
dered in the grant of 1653 was not made until nearly six
years thereafter, and when made, was not approved form-
midell of the lir
tion" of Sudbur
their Ijne
Thomas Noves
66
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
ally until thirteen years more had elapsed. The final
provision for a state farm may have been duly carried out,
but Ihere is no aliusion to it whatever found in anv town or
colonial record. Joseph Willard. Esquire, notes a tradition
that the mile appropriated to the stale was laid out in some
tract of little value in tin: south pari of the town.
Noj'es' survey is explicit, and its lines can readily be
traced in the boundaries of the towns that have been shaped
within its area, as the map at page eight shows. The
result was not a rectangle len miles by eight, as the lost
deed of Sholan and the court's order .specified ; because
when Noyes had run the south line six and one-half miles
he suddenly encountered the north line of die Whipsuffer-
age plantation, afterwards Marlborough, a line seven miles
in length laid out several years before. Neither was the
original Lancaster a trapezoid, as Joseph Willard, Esquire,
supposed, but an irregular pentagon. Its area by Naves'
record would have been exactly eighty and two-tenths
square miles. But old surveys generally were liberal in
measurement, and Lancaster's affords no exception to that
rule. This is partlj' due to the "allowance" usual in such
surveys, of about one rod in thirty for swag of chain and
irregularity i>f ground. It is possible that the choice of
"Jobe Whetcombe & young Jacob ffarer to Carie the
Chaine," was based upon some known talent of theirs in
that art. One thing is certain, the ten mile line of 1659,
in modern maps stretched to over eleven miles, and the
other lines followed a similar proportion. Noyes ran his
ten mile line twenty-three and one-half degrees west of a
true north, but this is not necessarily unaccordant with the ■
terms of the order of the general court, the words norths
south, east and west, being commonly used in a relative j
sense for northerly, etc. Possibly some fixed point wa»a
given in Sholan's transfer determining direction, and cei^S
tainly Sholan'.s heirs were in the vicinity to watch that th*^
intent of the deed was not transcended-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
TAe iaading place of the Nashaway. Before the arrival
of the Englishman with his axe, doubtless ail the streams
uf Lancaster bore seaward a much less variable volume of
water, and that perhaps fifly per ceat. greater in amount
than since the hills and swamps were shorn of forest cover-
ering. Men living have conversed with those who
claim to have seen alewives and trout in streams now,
save in winter and spring months, known only as dry grav-
el beds. Hence wiiding places even for hcirsemen and
cattle were infrequent in the rivers, and became important
localities in our early annals. One of these appears to
have been selected by Sholan and King as the centre of
the township, and from it Noyes was obliged to begin his
survey. The Nashaway is no respecter of any man's
meles and bounds, and in process of time we find our care-
ful historian, Joseph Willard. searching for this lost wading
place, and finally deciding that it must have been "near
the present mill bridge." To accept this would be to
charge Noyes and his chain bearers, first, with making
his three mile line considerably too short, and. secondly,
with fixing his south line full thrce-tburths of a mile near-
er the centre than his north line. Thomas Noyes was too
experienced a surveyor to do this. Measurement upon the
map shows that the " meeting of the waters" is very near
indeed the middle of a north and south line through the
old township, and but little over three miles from the orig-
inal western boundary. Our mutilated town records seem
to afford a clue leading in the same direction. In the tran-
script of the oldest records of the proprietors, Prescntt's
"Entervail Loti" is described as "on the west side of Nash-
away Riuer part whereof Lyes bet-ween . ... is named
in the court Grant for the center of the town at the meet-
ing of the riuers" ; — the provoking blank indicating where
some words were illegible to Caleb Wilder when copying
the original book. Thus the evidence seemed likely to
remain forever imperfect; but, fortunately, John Prescott,
• ». ... -..
68 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
alone of the early proprietors, was so careful a man of
business that he had all his land grants and contracts duly
recorded in the County Registry- by Ralph Houghton, in
1669, and there the missing words are found to be ** the
wading f lace which ^^^ and the word '^aV^ to be an error for
" andJ'' As the description of Prescott's interval proves it
to be the same generally known today as the Thayer inter-
val, we must conclude that Noyes' starting point was a
wading place that existed very near indeed to the site of
the Atherton Bridge.
2:6: 1659. Lanchester is pressented for want of weights and meass-
ures according to ye Standard & for want of A Sealler.
Lanchester is pressented for daffect in a highway in their owne bounds
toward ye Baye. Wittnes William Lewis
[Middlesex Court Fi}es.J
To the constable of Lanchaster. You are required to Wame
some of yo*" Towne to appeare at >•* next County Court to be held at
Charl-Towne the 2r* of this instant June, then and there to Answ' for>-«
defect in the highway between yo*" Towne & >•* Bay & for witnes W"» Lewis
& hereof you are to make a true returne vnder yo*^ hand, & not to £iile.
dat. June i, 1659 ^X ThomaS Danforth Re
Also yo' miller for want of scales & weights according to law.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
1659 June 21. Lanchaster is Injoyned to repa\Te the Highwayes
within their bounds leading towards Concord, & in such places as Concord
with y'" shall Judge most convenient, to be done before the next County
Court at Camb\ on penalty of ten pounds fine : also they are to pvide
thems. of weights »Sc measures for town standards, before the next Court.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
.Mr Danforth.
Sir acording to yo*" warant we haue made choyce of
Goodm. Lewis to serue on the Grand Juryand Nathaniel! Joslin for the
pettie Jury and it is the request of the Towne that it may be spared from
the servic of Fettie Jurors w*'^ we intreat if it be in yo' poW to do it yo*"-
selfe, if in the Court then to ataine it for vs & we shall euer remaine yC
obliged
Lancaster i'"" 1659 John Tinker
in the behalfe of the Towne of Lancaster, few weak & 34 miles of.
[Middlesex Court Files.]
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 69
ORDERS OF THE SELECTMEN.
a repeale of a former \j}rder'\ about phibiting of inhabitanc. Munday
the 4**': 5**^: mon. 1659. ^^^ Selectmen meet at John Tinkers house and
doe order That notwithstanding, that former order that their should not
bee taken into the towne aboue thirtie and fine families (the right vnder-
standing of which is not soe clearly expresed) itt hath beene sine ordred
by the towne and by the Comitie alsoe, that fiue or six families more then
wear then in being should be admited for the good of the towne and
church soe further it is Conceiued by the selectmen to be most for the
good of the towne, that soe many inhabitance be admited as may bee
meetly accommodated, pvided they are such as are acceptable, And their-
fore that former order is repealed and that admitance bee granted to soe
many as shall stand with the discrescion of the selectmen, And are
worthie of acceptance according to the Comities apoyntment.
goodman Wilder selectman. 26:4*^: mon 1659. Master Tinker who
was one of the Selectmen apoynted by the Comitee, to order the afaires of
this towne, he hauing remoued his dwelling to Pequid, the rest of the
selectmen peticioned the Comitie that good man Willder might bee
apoynted by them to act as a sellect man which was granted.
ORDERS & DIRECTIONS GIUEN TO RALPH HOUGHTON
ABOUT THE LAYING OUT THE 2 DEUISION OF MEDOW.
Munday the 5 : ffebruarie [1659] the towne met at the house of Maior
Willard to Consider of a way to sett forward a 2 deuision of medow ;
And forasmuch as their was by a former act of the towne way made for
the efect the work of Laying out a second deuision of medow first by sur-
veying the medowes and men Choise to doe it theirfore the towne put it
to voat whether that way should stand or noe which voate was as ffol-
loweth.
They that are minded to Carie an end the 2 deuision of medow ^cord-
ing to the true intent of the order formerly agreed on by the towne, And
heare Read before the towne, for the manor of it, only a new tim sett for
the accomplishment of it, in Regard the tim that was sett is past, only the
towne hath their Libertie to chuse new men and to agree with them vpon
as easie termes as they can. They that are thus minded Let them manifest
it by holding up their hands, the hands held vpp were 14. They that are
otherwise minded Lett them manifest the Contrary by holding vp their
hands, the hands held vpp were 16: which being done this following voat
was Confirmed by the towne. If the towne bee minded that a man shall
be made Choice of, and agreed with, forthwith to ^oe on with Laying out
the 2 deuision of medow, acording to such orders and directions the towne
shall agree of to bee his Rule theirin, and that 4 acres of medow to loo^J*
estate be Laid out and to begin in such a place and soe to proceed from
^^^19^
^o
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
mcdow to medow acordutK to such inslnildona as the lowne shall gtue
wriiiag this iras Coolinned by a voai none descenting.
A mocioD wan made by sum tbat If there v[a> any medow Left com<
at after the 2 deuUion was finished, thai then such as did draw but litle
medow by deuisbn might haue sum heipe and in answer when'nta this
following voat past in the towne. They thai are in a minde that when a 2
deuision of medow is Laid out of 4 acres to too" state, if any be left such
as are in want and haue but a litle medow by Loti acording to order of the
towtic shall haue sum suply out of the Remainder of the medow that is
such as haue home Letts and beare a compilant charge in the towne this
ordred by a loat of the towne to bee entred into the towne b'^ke as an
act of the towne.
to gfor^e Henit, Nextly a litle medow at Chesquonopog pond was
granted to georg Beoit for his full proporcion to a 2 deuision of medow
which was due to his grandfather Richard Linton
nutio granted to suck as haue it in their 2 deuisien of i-pland, Ncxily
It was granted that such as haue medow in their 1 deuision of vplaod haue
their Libertie to take it for pte of their 2 deuisioQ of medow and to take
9oe much Lesse where their Lot falls.
Surveinrs order. Nexlly it is ordred that the Layer out of this 2 deui-
sion shall and Is herby impowred to Carie an end the worke of this 2
deuision and to Call fortli men eurie day soe many as he thinks hee Can
dispatch their Lotts and ihey are to alend the worke and not depart vn-
lesse the Layer out giue way theire vnio, And the Layer out of medowes
is to haue a care acording to his best discresion that eurie mans Lott
may be made equall in tjualitie, as neare as he can acording to his discres-
ion and If any man neglect to atend the worke when he is Called by the
Layer out. hce shall forlite double to an ordlnaric daies wage that soe the
surveier may hire one in his Roome, that soe the worke may not be neg-
lected.
Ralph Houghton chos Surveior. And Ralph Houghton is Chosen to
Carie an end the worke and he is to haue i', an acre paid within a month
after the worke is done in marchanlable wheat or Indian Come and this
worke to bee finished by the 24 of June :
grant lo the maior to ejxkang mtdo. Nextly Libertie was granted to
the niaior to haue 10 acres of medow or soe much as hee may giae to
Simon Gats and Thomas in way of exchange for their medow at the Still
Rluer and plum trees, And hee is to allow acre for acre at ihe brooke
medow in that medow next to the pond to bee deuided in this :'' deuision.
diitctions wher to begin and haw la pceed. Itl is ordred that the i
deuision of medow shall begin at the northermost medow at the plumlrees
and soe to Lay out all (he plumtrcc medowes, And soe to go 10 the great
pond medow at the northermost end 0/ it in sum small peices betweene
3
»f
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
71
the brooke medow and the pond medow, And when the pond medow is
Laid out, then to begin at the northermost slipe of medow at the bar hill
A nd soe to Lay out all the nearest medowes at the bare hill and 2 small
peices that lyes south from goodman Whits second deuision. And then
to follow the brooke eastward vntill all the bare hill medowes be Laid out.
And then to begin at the furthermost medow at the north end of Long
hill. And soe follow the medow westward vntill it com to the meadow
neare to bar hill where John Whetcombe mowed. And then to begin at
the north end of goodman Whellers medow and Lay out what is medow
fit to mow towards master Josllins house and the medow by the bay path
on the west sid the Long Hill and soe to a medow east' sid the Long
Hill. And soe to the medow that shuts vp to the bay path from Wata-
quadoke to begin at that end next to the bay path and to Lay out soe
much of it as is fit for medow acording to the discresion of the Layer out
A nd soe to follow that medow to goodman Sumners medow and the med-
ows their that are Laid out, And then to goe to the medow that which is
Comon by John Mors house. And then to follow the brooke what is Com-
on below where Malbrow path Croseth the brooke. And then to begin at
the south end of goodman Ropers medow and to Lay out such as is fitt
for medow their and then to two Lide medowes neare to Malbrow path
And then to begin at the east end of the medow vnder the side of the pin
swampe. And then to sum medowes to the southward of that neare to the
2 deuision of vpland of goodman Gats vntill 4 acres to loo^f state bee
made vp, And If any other medowes shall be discoured they are to be
Laid out in the Ranches wher they fall acording to the discresion of the
Layer out.
Which being finished and all the orders and instructions aforsaid
agreed on, and the Lord being sought vnto for his blesing vpon his owne
ordinance Lotts were taken as followeth without any disturbance or dis-
traction :
^ William Kerley sen
I
John Whetcombe Ju
15
Ralph Houghton
2
Steeuen Gats Sen
16
Mstr Joseph Rowlandson
3
John More
'7
William Leweis
4
John Houghton
18
Edward Breeke
5
John Smith
19
John Prescott
6
Jacob ffarer
^ 20
John ffarer
7
John Roper
21
Edmund Parker
8
Gamaliell Beman
22
John Johnson
9
Mordicai Muke Load
23
Thomas James
10
Thomas Josllin
24
Phillip Knight
II
Nathaniell Josllin
25
Jonas ffairbanke
12
John Whetcombe Sen
26
Thomas Sawyer
'3
James Atherton
27
John Leweis
H
Richard Wheeler
28
ANXAL5 OF LANCASTUL
Wfrra.rs Ker^n Is
39
He=ricKrr^T
35
JmmJSkt Kfjm/tn
S^^*
Tbocsas W7(kW
36
Lawnract Waters
31
jofes Rass?
37
Imsk^ Gains
32
38
JobaU'bhe
33
James Botier
39
John Rs2;bie
34
«->rk r- r*^-^-fc-»«
■ iiA'« r* « «■■»
Know all men by these presents that Ibraszcadi as the Inhabitants of
Lanchaster, or the most part of them being gathered together on a trayne-
iog day, the 15^ of the 9r^ mo. 1658. a motion vas made by jno. Prescx>tt
blackesmith of the same tovne, about the setting vp of a saw mill for
the good of the Towne. and y* he the said Jno. Prescott. would by the
help of God set vp the saw miU. and to supply the said Inhabitants with
boords, and other sawne worke, as is attorded at other saw mills in the
countrey. In case the towne would gine. grant. Sl confirme vnto the said
J 00. Prescott. a certeine tract of Land, lying Eastward of his water mill, be
it more or less, bounded bv the riuer east the mill west the stake of the
mill land and the east end of a ledge of Iron Stone Rocks southards, and
forty acres of bis owne land north, the said land to be to him his beyres
and assignes for euer, and all the said Land and eurie part thereof to be
rate free vntill it be improued, or any p* of it, and that his saws, & saw
mill should be free from any rates by the Towne, therefore know y* that
the ptyes abouesaid did mutually a^ree and consent each with other con-
cerning the aforementioned propositions as followeth.
The towne on their part did giue, grant. & confirme. vnto the sjud John
Prescott, his heyres and assignes for euer, all the aforementioned tract of
land butted & bounded as aforesaid, to be to him his he}Tes and assignes
lor euer, with all the priuiledges and appurtenances thereon, and therevnto
belonging to be to his and their owne propper vse and behoofe as aforesaid,
and the said land and eurie part of it to be free from all rates vntill it <fr
any pt. of it be improued, and also his saw, sawes, and saw mill to be free
from all town rates, or ministers rates, prouided the aforementioned worke
be finished & completed as abouesaid for the good of the towne, in some
convenient time after this present contract covenant and agreem*.
And the said John Prescott did and doth by these psents bynd himself
his heyres and assignes to set vp a saw mill as aforesaid within the bounds
of the aforesaid Towne, and to supply the Towne with boords, and other
sawn worke as aforesaid, and truly and faithfully to performe, fullfill, &
accompIi^h, all the afore mentioned pmisses for the good of the Towne
as aforesaid
Therefore the Selectmen conceiuing this saw mill to be of great vse to
to the Towne, and the aftergood of the place, Haue and do hereby act to
rattifie and confirme all the the aforemencconed acts, covenants, gifts.
. >\^
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 73
grants, & imunityes, in respect of rates, and what euer is aforemen-
tioned, on their owne pt, and in behalfe of the Towne, and to the true
performance thereof both partyes haue and do bynd themselues by sub-
scribing their hands, this 25'^ day of february one thousand six hundred
and fifty nine John Prescott
The work aboue mencConed was finished according to this couenant as
witnesseth. Ralph Houghton
Signed & Deliv"* In presence of Thomas Wilder
Thomas Sawyer
Ralph Houghton.
The above covenant has disappeared from the Town Records, and is transcribed
from the Middlesex Registry, III, 400.
1659. To the Honored Generall Court assembled at Boston. The
humble petition of John Prescot of Lancaster humblye Sheweth, That
whereas y' petitioner about nine or ten yeares since, was desired by the
late honored Governour, Mr Winthrop, w'*» other Magistrates, as also by
Mr Wilson of Boston. Mr Shephard of Cambridge with many others, did
lay & marke out a way at y® north side of the great pond & soe by Lancas-
ter, which then was taken by Mr. Hopkins & many others to bee of great
use ; This I did meerly upon the request of these honored Gentlemen to
my great detrim', by being upon it part of two Summers not only myselfe
but hiring others alsoe to helpe mee, wherby my family suffered much : I
doe not question but many of y** Court remember the same, as also that
this hath not laine dead all this while, but I haue formerly mentioned it,
but yet naue no recompence for the same ; the charge whereof came at 2*
p day to about 10'? it is therefore the desire of y*^ petitioner y* you would
bee pleased to grauut him a farme in some place undisposed of, which will
engage him to you, and encourage him and others in publicq^ occasions, &
y petitioner shall pray &c.
The Comittee consideringe the grounds of this pet. do Judge meet
that the Court be pleased to grant him 100 ace" of land, to be layd out
adjoyneing to the lands that are layd out by ord"" of this Court to that
Plantation
Thomas Danforth
Anthony Stoddard
Roger Clap
The deputies approue of the returne of the Committee in answer to this
Pet. desiringe the consent of or honor** magist** hereto.
William Torrey Cleric,
Consented to by y* magists. Edw Rawson Secret,
[Massachusetts Archives, cxxi, 31.]
i66o. In obedience to the sraai of tbe htmovred geoenll Conn beld
at boston ihe iS^ of October 1659. lajed out (o John Prescon of LancaS'
[er oeare adjorniog to tbe west line of Lutcaster boonds his dna contayn-
inge one hundred acres jomii^ to a great pond [WashacumJ on the
northeast and allso joynii^ to a brooLe (niaaing out of the sayd pond^ on
the south east with fuar acres of medow Joyning to the sajd pood and six
acres of medow being vpon tbe sa}-d brooke — this being exactly meas-
sured b]' me vnderwritten the 15 of Jajiuaiy 1660
Thomas Novbs
[MassochusFtU AtchinH. XLi~. Si.]
r66o August 26. Roger Sumner was dismissed, that with other Chris-
tians at Lancaster, a church might be begun there
[Dorchester Church Records.]
1661 April I. Lancbaster and Marlbury being presented for defect in
weights & measures &c, are enjoyned to make returoe to y* next Court at
Cbarlestowne that they are prouided according to law on penalty of for-
feiting forty shillings a peice to y* Tres'ry of this Coun.
[Middlesex Coun Records.]
1661 April z William Lewis of Lanchaster is released from all ordnery
trayneings. paying fiue shill. p Ann. to y* millitary Company of y* Towne
where he dwells.
[Middlesex Coun Records.]
1662 Oct Lawrence Waters of Lanchaster is released from all otd-
nary trayneings paying hue shillings p Ann. lo y* millitary Company of
ye towne where he dwells.
[Middlesex Coun Bteccnds.]
SEURALL ACTS AND ORDERS OF THE TOWNE IN THE
YEAR 1663.
The towne being Called together orderly by the townsmen to consider of
seurall things that were propounded to iheire Consideracion namely to pc-
ticion the Comitie to meet and to haue a hearing of seurall actions of tbe
townesmen since they did belrust them lo act as townsmen in diis lowDe,
And If the Honoured Comitie see Cause to Returne Libertie into the towns
hands, againc to act in their owne prudencialls as other towns and seurall
other proposisions. which were propounded 10 the towne. the Lecture day
before the towne meeting which are here following vpon Record.
7'A^ tiTwnti mens dttlaritcion lo the lawiu. To our Brethren and neight-
liours the inhabitance of this towne of Lancaster, by the pvidenceof god.
irora.smuch as for the lim being the townsmen of this place are not called
by the inhabitance as in other towns, which as we Coneeiue. by the mo-
cioo and allsoe by sum expresions of seurall of our Brethren and neight-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 75
hours that theire is not such a louing Concurance, as wee could desire,
That If it bee your desire to haue the Libertie to Chuse oficers, and to
order the pnidencialls of the towne as other towns ; If our indeuors herin
be of vse to you, And alsoe accptable to you wee desire to blesse god for
it, but If not wee desire not to Great trouble to ourselues and greife to our
Louing Brethren and neightbours, but Rather Chuse this Louing tender to
you, which is as you know the betrust Comited to vs was by a Comitie
apoynted by the Honoured genrall Court, which If it bee 3'our desire, wee
shall Louingly and Cordially Joyne with you to peticion the Honoured
Comitie to apoynt a meeting and to haue a hearing, of what hath beene
acted by the townsmen heare, since they Comited the care of the pniden-
cialls of this place to vs ; And If any bee greiued at any thing that hath
beene acted, that then and theire they may be eased. And If the Comitie
please to Returne Libertie in to the towns hands wee hope it will bee as
accptable to va as vnto your selues. And If this be your desire as aforsaid,
we Conceiue this to bee the only way to ataine it.
dated this 3:11: mon : 1663 Simon Willard
John Prescott
Thomas Willder
Roger Sumner
Ralph Houghton
SEURALL PROPOSISIONS TO THE TOWNE BY THE TOWNS
MEN.
Theis seurall proposisions were made to the towne being orderly as-
embled to that end.
I John Prescott saith hce neuer drawed medow for his estate on the
towne booke, but yett notwithstanding he hath 12 acres of medow ; tho 15
acres would haue beene his due by his estate only he hath 12 acres of
swampe which hee hath paid as much Rats for as tho it had beene medow,
which he accounts a double wronge to him, his desire is that the towne
would Consider it, he is willing to take the 12 acres of medow for medow,
and soe to pay for it. And the swampe for soe much medow as it is worth,
according as the intervaile swampe is ordred in the 2 deuision that is fower
acres in Lew of an acre of medow in the 2 deuision :
This p^posision was granted by the towne fully soe that the said John
Prescott hath with the aforsaid swampe acording to his valueaeion of it,
his full piX)rtion of medow that his estat would haue drawne in the first
deuision of medow, this was granted 2 : 12 : m 1663.
2 John Prescot desired 12 acres of medow to bee Laid out to him or
his asignes that hee bought of John Caudall, it being soe that eurie man is
serued with medow in his first deuision.
The towns grant was that the said John i'rescott should haue the 12
acres of medow which hee bought of John Caudall it being soe that a true
76
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
title theirvnio did apcarc. TTiough his ingemiitic Lead him to Lett i
vntill all the first deuisioti was scmcd with medow. this was voalcd
none descunted. And it is herby ordrett lo bee Laid out to the said good-
man Ptescoli or his asignes, in a peiee of tnedow aboue good roam Will-
ders at the ponds their heing 4 acres as it was formerly Laid out for daou
allin And a hlle pwice of medow at the south end of the bar hill
ihe Rest in a Corner of the great medow at the pond medow, tl
granted the z : 12 : mon 1663.
3. That the towne would thinke of sum way to Rectifie Lands
3 deuision in Regard of sum inconveniencies that arc fallen out accedcn-
lally.
The grant of the towne was that maior "Willard Koger Sumner and
Ralph Houghton are by a voat of the towne. Chose lo pvise the transac-
tions of ihe 3 deuisioa, And to put things in lo sucti [shape] as may be
for the Comfort and peace of the towne for the present and future. And to
make Relurne iheirof lo ihc towne thai soe way may be made for the Re-
cording Land in the 2 deuision. this was granted the 2 : 12 ; mon : 1663.
4 Proposision to the towne was that the towne would Consent that
John Houghton might haue Uberlie to Lay downe a halfe home Lot being
that he had a lott and halfe granted by the towne, this was granled by the
towne. I; 12: mon: i66j:
5 proposision lo the towne was lo Consider what to doe about the
minister's Land in the posesion of John White, this ivas agreed on by a
voate of the towne as followeth ; Those thai are in a minde that Henrie
Kerley shall liaue that inten-aile Loll which was intended for the vse of
the ministrie, which soe much difrence halh beene about, together with a
home Lott, which he is to take vpp in sum place yet undisposed of, for
peace sake this wee tender in Case it will be accepted of, otherwise ihe
Case to stand as ii doth at present betweene vs ; And the towne to pcecd
as they see Cause or as Counsell may advise for their Becouring their owne
interest theirin, this was voated and none descenting but John Prcscolt
and Lawrence Waters who voated neagatiue, but at the same cim Hcnrfe
Kerley being present would not acept of it.
Theirfore the towne made Choice of John Prescolt and John More and
by a voal of the towne they were impowred lo act in behalfe of the towne.
And lo psecut the towns Case Concerning the Recouring the towns Land
staled for the vse of the ministrie and kept byake from the lowne by Henrie
Kerley notwithstanding such Louing tenders as halh beene made by llie
towne. And the towne pmiselh to beare the Charge herof. And they are
10 vse all such means as their discresion may Lead them lo, or as Counsell
may advise them lo. this was Confirmed by a voat of Ihe lowne: 1: 12;
mon; 1663
but presently the same day before the towne the pprosision aboue said
of the towne, to Henrie Kerley lo giue him Che intervaile Lott and vpbuid
IViU-
M
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
77
Lolt aCorsaid was accejjled of by Henrie Kerley. A nd granied by the Inwne
for the acceptance Iheirof ivilnes my hand Henrie Kerley.
6 aL'l (il the luwne wa.s that goodman Prescott goodman Willder and
goodmau Roper are Chosen to veiw a lowne way that Lyelh betweeoe the
Lott of John Roper and that which was John Johnsons Loti And to see
what defect may be in it And make Report to the lowne what is needful!
(o bee done, that soe Course may be taken tiieirin. thia was voated by the
The town way here designated was the first over the
George Hill range, that which turns from the main road
bv the school-house.
7 John Pfescott and Ralph Houghton are made Choice of to veiw sum
waies on the neke that are desired by sum and denyed by others, they are
indiferenly to see the waies and to heare what is to be said by both parties,
And to make Report to the lowne : that soe due course may be taken
theirin for the best good of all. And John Roper is Chosen a third man
this was voated by the towne The 2:12: raon : 1663
8 The lowne granted to James butler a halfe home Lott, And he is
10 haue 10 acres of vpland for a halfe home Lott and iwentie acres of vp-
land for a halfe home Lott of intervaile. And to take it where il is not dis-
posed of. neither to any ptieuler pson or in the Staled Comoii, And he is
to haue other acomodacion suitable acording to his estate.
9 lit is ordred by the towne that all gifts grants acts orders Conclu-
sions and Records, acted ordred or Recorded, by the lowne Townsmen or
Comilie. shall liee and is herby Confirmed and Ratified by llie lowne, from
the begining of the plantacion to this day : this was voated and Con-
firmed none descenting this 2 ; la ; moa ; 1663.
10 Itt is ordred by the towne and voated that the Comilie apoynted to
haue the ouersighl and Cliarge of Rectiliing the 2 deuision shall and is
herby desired and impowred to see theis acts of tlie lowne, al iheis towne
meetings theis two daies entred and Recorded into the lowne booke
Lastly the towne agreed 10 Chuse townsmen and did Chuse maior Wil-
lard John PrescoU Thomas Wiilder John Koper and Ralph Houglilon
townsmen for a whole year next insuing after tlie date herof.
And Ralpli Houghton Chosen Clarke by the towne for this yeare And
is to haue 2"': iS-.- for hLs Labor theirin.
The power of the townsmen from the towne, is to order all the pruden-
ciall afeirs of ihe towne only they are not to dispose of Lands A nd they ar
lo further a 3 deuision of medow to bee Uud out.
Theis seurall acts of ihe towne in this page, And sum on the other side
78 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
that beare the same date with this, was agreed on by the towne, the day
before ; the towne being then Legally asembled, to Consider on this day
aboue writen.
AN ACT OF CONFIRMACION FROM THE COMITIE
Theirfore it is emestly desired that the Honoured Comitie would be
pleased to put fprth their power, to Ratifie and Confirme this act of Con-
firmacion of the towne. And alsoe to giue Libertie to the towne to Chuse
townsmen within themselues, soe Long as your selues se a louing Concur-
ance theirin, among ourselues. And in soe doing your worships will ingage
vs yours in all Christian seruice.
dated at Lancaster 6 march 1664-65
gentlemen and louing freinds
Wee haue alltho through straits of tim but breifly pvsed \fi€rustd\
and considered what you haue aboue presented. And doe with much thank-
fiillnes to the Lord accknowledge his &uor to your selues, A nd not only
to you but to all that delight in the ppitie \prosperity\ of gods people and
children, in your louing Complyance togather, that this merde may bee
continued to you is our emest desire. And shall be our praiers to god.
And wherin wee may in our Capasitie Contribut their to wee doe acount it
our dutie to the Lord and you. And for that end doe fiily Concure and
Consent to your pposalls for the Ratifying of what is, And for Libertie
among yourselues, obseruing the directions and Lawes of the genrall Court
for the election of your selectmen for the future
dated ; 8 : i : f| SmoM WnxARD
Thomas danforth
Edward Johnson
CLceptance to gpodman Hudson, Satiu^y 26 : 9 : m : 1664. ^^^ towne
meet at the meeting house to Consider about seting forward a second deui-
sion of medow. And good man Hudson being newly Com vp to inhabit
desired acceptance to the priueledges of a townsman. And his mocion was
granted and acceptance giuen by the towne. •
grant to Ralph Houghton. Libertie was granted to Ralph Houghton to
Lay downe an acre of medow at the great pond medow and take it vpp in
that medow by John mors house by a voat of the towne.
grant to goodman Rogers. The towne gaue Libertie to goodman Rog-
ers to take in a litle Comer of the Stated Comon, Leaning out soe much of
his second deuision vpon the pine hill neare tq/qu'^asaponikin brooke and to
be mesured by the surxeiers soe that the Comons may not sufer damage.
Libertie to mordicai. The tov^-ne gaue Libertie to mordicai mukeloade
to bring in 50*** estate to enter into the towne booke to draw Land and med-
ow by in a second deuision And to haue Comon Right suitable.
.&.. . ^ . ' Ik
.... i.T'jt.MJtrL:.- ■ '■ -w \'*A
graut le James Butler. The towne gaue Libertie to James Butler to
ijiaue a Rode of vpland in breadth, to set a fence on ai the side of [he
Liien ax:res of [nler\'aile which he bought of goodman Josllin.
way eras Ihe ueke. The lowne fully impowered John Preseott John
Rojjer and Ralph Hougliton to veiw the high way Crosse the neke to quas-
,ai>omkin, And to Lay it out If they se cause.
grant to goodiium Prescotl. The towne gaue Libertie to goodman Pres-
eott to take up a slipe of medow ground Runing through the most part of
great pine plalne that Lyeth smherly of hLs Corne milte, which he is to
aue in Leiw of two acres of medow, formerly granted him in a corner of
the great pond medow which was granted vpon the account of John Cow-
daJ) and he is to take two acres Lesse their.
grant to Master day. z ffeb : 1664. at a genrall towne meeting It was
'pon the Receit of a leter from master Steeiien day of Cambridge granted
the said master day should liaue a huudred acres of vpland tweniie
of it for a house Lotie and to pay lo' a yeare as other men doth and
wertie acres of it in Leiw of an Intervaile Lotl and to pay as other men
ith for an intervaile Lott, And fowertie acres in I*w of a 3 deuision
.d to pay as other men doth for Land in the z deuision And this Land
be Laid out neare to VVashacombe near to the outside of the bounds and
: is to haue aoe other acomodacions in the towne but only that hundred
icres as a farrae.
2 deiiision of medawconfirmtd. It was ordred by a voate of the towne
that the second deuision of medow acording as it is alreadie Laid out is
berby Ratilied and Contirmed : 3 : 1 2 : m : 66.
grant to goodman Sawyer . It was granted that goodman Sawyer should
ue six acres of Land Laid out to him Joyning to Washacombe title pond
' and in Consideracion of three acres of Intervaile that he wanted in
rsure vp nashaway Riuer. I: 11 : m : 66.
1667. To Ihe Honoured Countie Court inajestrats and grand "Jurie.
The humble petition of Sargant Wiltder for and in behaife of Ihe Inhab-
itants of Lancaster hnbly sheweth. That forasmuch as the towne Lyeth
VQder a presentment for want of a stoke of powder and other A munition
to Law. And also the Honoured general! Court hauing made
lepesiall pvision and giuen strict charge to the chiefc olicer of eurie Com-
lie to be pvided acording to Law, it must be confesed to our greife thai
wee aredefectiue, tho means hath been vsed by the towncsmen and course
faken for the pvidingof a town stoke yett notwithstanding by Resonof the
aralcof powder and the Low Condicion of seuerall of the inhabitants part
wanting, but by the beipe of god wee will indeuor a Restoracion thereof
id alsoe of such defects as may be found in the Companie for want of
mes and amunidon acording to Law ■ Therefore your humble peticioner
:»r.!
-. . Vr:
-•.t-.i :-*e
- .-::.- . .ice ol
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725- 8l
publique meeling to atend ihe publique ocasions of the lowne vpon pen-
ultie of Loosing thdr voate in such traDsaclions of the lowne. that may be
acted by the towne in their iibsence and nlsoe pay 2 shillings to the vse of
the towne to be leuied by ihe Ciinstable in Case it be not paid without,
vnlesse sum thing more then ordinarie doe apeare to preuent theire being
ibeire. And such as haue any thing to suiest to the towns Consideracion,
whether it coocerne the towne in generall or any ptieuler persons case or
Condieion, such persons 10 bring it in to the Clarke or selectmen of the
towne to take a Record of them that soe theire may be order aiended for
the more specdie Isuing of busines by the towne, And tliat the towne
Chusc moderators 10 that end, to Consider what is nesesarie to be done
And 10 se that order be atended. And that nothing be acted afier sun
sett, this was voated and Confered by the towne.
The latter portions of this act are interesting as foreshad-
owing the formalities lliat govern the calling and manage-
ment of our modern town-meeting ; while the first provision,
read in the light of recent experience, seems fully worthy
of being rehabilitated.
ORDERS ABOUT MAKING AND MAINTAINING HIGHWAIES
7: &8: 13: moa: 1669. It was ordered that the making and Repairing
of highwaies the' Charge and Cost theirof shall be Raised from the Rate-
able estate of the towne. namly Catcll and Land and other estate as it is
to the Cuntrie Rate, And medow as it is to the ministers Rate this was
Confirmed by a voate It is aboe agreed by a voat that the I.ast yeares
worke to the high waies shall be Regulated by this Rule aboue writen.
And that all highwaies for towne and Cuntrie or any perticuler pson that
is alreadie La[d out or to be Laid out shall be made and maintained vpon
a publique charge, acording to the order aboue expresed this was Con-
firmed by a voate.
ori^r about the 2 britiges. And it is alsoe agreed and ordered by the
towne that the two bridges alreadie built namly nashaway bridge and that
bv goodman Walerses arf to be maintained and I'pheld by the publique
towns Charge, acording as the lowne order prouides for in making and
maintaining other highwaies. And the time to begin is this 2 of februa-
tic, i66g about the maintaining and vpholding the bridges, (only) If the
towue thinke It may be for the saflie of the north bridge that the Cages be
put downe, that then they shall be sett downe vpon the nekes Charge the
jirst convenient optunitie, this was.alsoe Confirmed by a voate.
iuruing -ajoodi ts* vthving fenc to bi paid by yi loume. It was ordered
Ihat the burning of the woods and veiwing of fences, the Charge theirof
be pa.id by the towne in the same way as the Charge of the highwaies is
defhud this was alsoe Confirmed by a voate.
82 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
grant to gpodman Leweis of mtdow. In Reference to goodman Leweis
Complaint about his second deuision of medow, the towne being willing
to helpe him with sum alowance. And after seuerall waies ppounded to that
end & yet the end Could not with safde and Conveniencie be atained,
seuerall of the Inhabitance ofered to Contribut freely out of their owne
proprieties. And to takesoe much Lesse in theire deuision where It fidls in
the medow that is Comon. namly the maior giues an acre adioyning to his
owne at the brooke medow And three quarters of an acre at the frx>ge hole.
Goodman Prescott halfe an acre Coperall More halfe an acre John Hough-
ton halfe an acre George Benit halfe an acre goodman Sumner halfe an
acre goodman Rogers a quarter of an acre goodman Beman a quarter of
an acre Ralph Houghton halfe an acre vpon Condidon the maiors three
quarters at fix>g hole be giuen to John Leweis, And by the Consent of the
towne this is to be mesured out of the comon medow as sone as their may
be a convenient optunitie : tlus was confirmed by a voat of the towne.
SEUERALL OTHER ACT[S] OF THE TOWNE IN THE
YEA RE 1670: 7: & 8: 12: MO.
Jo, No^Attms gram/. It was granted John Houghton to Lay downe
twentie acres of second deuision Land for a high way on the south side of
deans brooke. And to take it vp againe in a plaine neare his medow this
alsoe was Continned by a voate of the towne.
Deans Brook seems to have derived its name from that
Samuel Dean who signed the town covenant in 1653, but
has no alter connection with Lancaster history. The
bnx^k retained the name for a hundred years, but before
1760 became known as "Gutleridge**' or Goodridge Brook,
tri>m a familv that lived on the hill half a dozen rods
north of the railroad bridge over the highway between
Clinton and Lancaster.
i'^"*j> ^K^xf J^sxJ /.»"'?< •* .','••*,*« /«' SmrTisJi tflec^irds If'askacombe,
XUt towne onicrcxi ;HAt ovx-inan urer goc^iToan Wheeler goodman £ur-
IvAwkrs ^xxinun K;^cSTf TSv^nvis Wr.'der and Hencrie Kerley hane theire
Lil^MXie to l,A\ ^ionnc :he:r lunvi jxvvinded Kv, lying by geo i ge s hill, pro-
uuW, thex JiV, Aj^T^e* o:he;^:s:e tSey jire :n5o>T>ed by this onier to lay out
thci: l.o::^ ^> :bo l-^s: o: \U:ch ^v v^iSec^rise :o pay all such damages as
anx '^^::cu>: r.\ji:i in iV v"or.".j\ir.:c sXil' ^ustaiae. And they haue theire
li'y^rae ;o ukr iVi^t' Line :r. :!i*^~ other piace or places, this was Con-
K
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735.
83
Order abvut Com, meiitrw. The towne ordered that the towns men as
a comitie should modle out a. way for the deuiding of the Comon medow,
And in ConvenieDt time 10 present theire thoughts to the lowne and to be
inquisitiue of psons to find out what medow their may be Comon within
the lowne, And If any know of any comon medow, they are 10 make Re-
port to the towns men. this was Confirmed by a voate.
alowance to nbra. Josliit for a highway. Munday 30: il ; mon 1670,
The towtis men meet al maior Willards house and ordered 10 alow Abram
Joallin for a highway taken out of his land at long hill. Lying by bis house
to the medowes al Long hill, and alsoe the Cunlrie way. And he is to haue
two acres for one and Kalph Houghton is to Lay it out as speedily as
moo: 1670. In Reference to
i about sum Right to a lott of
ul by master day After serious
e thought he might haue sum
ie acres of vpland in Consid-
etirge adams grant. Munday 6: 11
george Adames proposition to the town
Iwentie acres which was formerly laid 01
CoQsideracion and debate about it, the toi
Right theirvnto. And haue granted him si
eracion theirof And he (0 pay for land improued and Calell and other
Ratable esl.-ite. to all publique Charges, And he is to haue Comon priuii-
edge. for feeding Catell only ; togather with timber and lire wood for theire
owne vse in the place, but noe other Right to any other Lands either in
Comon or to draw by deuision, the said geiirge togather with his sonn
John, both of tfiem ingageing for them selues their heires and asignes
neuer to disturbe or trouble the towne or any man in the towne about any
former Rights titles, or Charges expended in or about the plantacion or
any Lands theirin Contained the said Land to be Laid out where it b
Comon Land southward of washacombe great feild neare to the Line of
the plantacion And he to be subject to towne orders.
George Adames
his (o niarke
John Adames
This closes the entries in the town book by Ralph
Houghton, ahhough in the Book of Lands his signature is
attached to record.s until the year of the massacre, 1675 ;
and again upon the resettlement in 1680 and 1681 his pen
was resumed in behalf of the town, as appears by a peti-
tion to the General Court. The next year another was
chosen clerk. Ralph Iloughlon's term of service, includ-
-. -- ..• —J. .AiTER.
:-:^ -Jii -■; IT ; t^j-- -Milt i:it z.-xn was deserted of its
re.r.z. -. i^ r^. rjir-r.-s : --tr?- Z'^z6—i682. He was a
^vvi -c-Tr - L.T'.:. 1'- :.r> ~ •" :f arfairs- If an v of his
: .-:>."^r . ^ ::::-i i ^'11 vr:-rrr. : r :•■ dred land to anothcTi
,• :; -< -0 i Tr-:- - 7: J --:. Rjlrh Houghton's pen vi*^
j^r,.--* : >^ >^ :.:i -.;i :":r 1:1= -^-rk. He was among ^^
■r>: : .,::^s: ' ^ - • . -- :: "^-t : :-.-±-i-t- and, though a ya^^fi
■.•::.i". :;•. V a: 7:; . - . -r.-e™ rlive in the councils of ^^
:*'..;:r..i.'. ::. ':i. x--:-* :: :.j.^t "id entire charge of ^^
bu> : ?:>> ,' :~; 7: 7-:: .sj-3 :■- r :• ;:r thiny years. sur\e^'*"g
aVvI vv.-^l •.*.;^ ^.>j~- -jii"? fiiT^ in the several divisit^^s*
lU* .:\xv. u:v:: :~i r-L>: 5ii«i :" -le neck, not far prob»Wj
uv:r. N-.c.^ !.;> y-.">.< -^>:iT:i:e. bu: upon which side <^f
• '».» *•• » "■* ■» ■■** ■•^ ."••■"" ^ ■ I ■ "*! ' ,~ * ^ " '5
v.^ p-Av. S:^.'. tr.- >-.\:^ii;v R^ir". Houghton as clerk*
:>.c lo.'.ow::*^: rx:v. V. ::" -V.> ilzvi.r. r^irg irom the files of
..x^xXvV. * ^ - : ■
, •<;*!: i.^ ::• giue you Notice thai
.:■:■= :■ l-iici*:cr chosen to be Garkc
c^.
:> A::;>i< J*icauel Beaman
r X Consiable of Lanes*'.
^.M* S:ooNo::s* :.'a" 'i.;^--< " r.t ..re extant. He was,
\\ ^woNOv* vr. r*.i."* ^ i." ^ ^"" *"^^"^re ."t lour years, rle
;f vT r.5:-;r".v *":r >everal vears, and
< ..ri -:: r^re in the County and
•<" -.;:-.>.■;: 7 ir.c rhetoric were florid
latluM th.rn CA-. ■:. - "'^ --> """■^- *:i:nature was some-
1,UK^ .1 m-uvv". . i. ■ V -i:-.. " Cj.rriAP. Steevens was the
\vMi»>:^st s<-.«. .■: ».^■. " ->■ >:i^--*ci" Devonshire, Eng-
l.Mul.'.»<ul .-.r.v.o :: ■ :.••.■.■ " :rcvv January 22, 1672,
» iK,>i> i'>»-* -Wv;'.:-. -".A .- '. i..-* , "vi. he married in L>an-
, isUM . Mai V . •• '-■ v:... ,: ...^ r - :■ M..;. - ^ira ^n Willard. Their
.luU'Mon NXO.V M-.A. vr-. N . - ::. 1072: Dorothy.—:
Su«uM». »vr.'. •.-.^ r->: ■•-. •- :- •■' >= E::iabcth. bi>rn about
»i>S» : and 1. si ph. — A< ir. :.n:.; his wife is named Ruth,
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 85
he must have contracted a second marriage. The time and
place of his death are not matters of record, but his name
appears as witness in Lancaster as late as 1713. His
career, as deduced from the court files, gives evidence of
more energy than discretion. At one time we find the
Natick Indians complaining that he had far exceeded his
constabulary authority in levying upon goods of theirs,
and he was compelled by General Daniel Gookin to refund.
Within a year thereafter he is convicted of selling powder
and shot and three gallons " of strong liquors which they
brought in wooden Bottels of about one galon a peece," to
a part}^ of Indians hunting " up in the woods near Watchu-
set." Some years later he is again in trouble, having
permitted the escape of a ruffian, Robert Crosly, who had
assaulted Steevens' neighbor, Philip Goss, then living just
across the river on the Rowlandson estate. He was even
accused of being in collusion with Crosly, but the worst
that was proven against him, was a too great unwillingness
to face a brace of loaded pistols and a sword in the hands
of a desperate privateersman. This fault he condoned
speedily by pursuing the rascal to Dorchester, and bring-
ing him to justice.
Upon his marriage with Mary Willard, her father, the
Major, partly in exchange for lands which Steevens owned
at Dunstable and partly in way of dowry, deeded to his
son-in-law
all y* Houseings, Barns Stables, orchards Lands, Entervailes, Meadows
lyeingand being in Lancaster according to their severall Butts & bounds as
followeth, viz: the House Lott formerly called Major Willards whome
Lott, bounded by y^ North Riuer South & y« Night Pasture east and y*
Country highway North, & West by the highway that Leads to y** North
Riuer
Thus the original lot of Lawrence Waters upon which
the first dwelling house in Lancaster was probably built,
came into the possession of its sixth owner in 1673. The
house that could be a home to Major Willard's large family
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 87
I haue heard or can learne not the practice of the country to beare armes
as a comon souldier whervpon I did not appeare, and when theire officer
came to straine vpon my goods, wee came to an agreement to referre the
matter to the Hon' Maj"" gen'" [Leveret^ Maj' Willard, Maj' Lusher,
Capt. Mason and Capt. tfoster, who all but Capt. Mason mett at the Maj'
Genr*^ house In may Last, who Heard what was said on both sids (though
more might be said but I am desirous rather to forbeare than to offend or
greiue any) . But those Hon** ffrends and Gentle" vpon what they then
beard did judge and advise that the fines should bee forborne and not
taken, and also that there being noe law here extant to free such a one
from training did advise that I should address myself to this Hon^ Court
whom they doubted not but would grant mee a free dismission, o' Hon"*
maj' Willard then willing and Consenting thereto. My humble petition
vnto yo' worships is that you would bee pleased to take it into yo' Consid-
eration and grant mee this favor to be freed from training in that Company
at Lancaster where I haue been an officer, for your petitioner shall not-
withstanding bee Ingaged to serue the Country and your worships accord-
ing to my power and abillity In what I can, and euer pray for yo** peace
and prosperity long to continue ....
To the Honoured Countie Court at Ckarlestowne,
This may Certiiie the honoured Countie Court that I henerie kerley
of Lancaster (though vnworthie) yet hauing the Comand of this militarie
Companie laid vpon mee. And accidentaly vnderstanding that Jeremiah
Rogers Senior hath Recourse to the honoured Court to procure a fredome
from militarie traininge, though he did not aquaint me nor the Companie
therewith, the truth is If the honoured Court should see cause to fre him
before his making his peace with the Companie, it will tend much to the
destnicion of peace and order in the Companie and force me togather with
the Rest that are in olise, in the Companie to lay downe our places, their
hath beene soe much provocacion on his part not only to vs, but alsoe to
the Companie in generall in the managing of this his controuersie so vn-
warantably taken vp, the truth of the whole mater being by the Companies
order drawne vp to informe a Comitie desired to arbitrate the case, a true
Copie wherof the honoured Court is desired to peruse and therein you will
haue a full declaracion of the case : And herin I shall not trouble the hon-
oured Court any further but Rest your humble servant.
Lancaster this 20 : 4 mon : 1670.
To the worshippfull our honoured major generall Leveret, maior Willard
and maior Lusher, togather with our two wort hie and highly esteemed
frends Captaine Mason of Watertown, And Captaine ffoster of Dorchester
who are a Comitee humbly desired by Sargant Kerley on behalfe of him-
selfe and the military Companie here at Lancaster and our neighbor Jeremiah
Rogers, to here and determine a difrence depending betweene the said Jer-
-i- ..
^^
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
emiah Rogers and the Companic ; our Ernest Request is ihat your worships
would be pleased u> pardon our boldnea as also to pitie what you see of
weaknes in this our present declaration wherin we desire truly and fully to
discouer the truth of the case as alsoe the condition of this smull Com-
panie for seuerall years, since Sergant William Kerly who now liues at
Marlbrow. did leaue vs. Honoured gentlemen, be pleased to talce notice
that sine the said Sargant William Kerly did Remoue his dwelling from
among vs this Companie hath made choice of seurall to ofisseat in ihe
place and olice of Sargant, though lille apearance that was pmising for the
manageing of that soe great a betrust, it is not our desire or endeuor to
slight one or any pson or talant but freely and truly to informe youraduea
with the Stat of things, the truth of wh.it we here asert is well known to
our honoured Major Willard who hath not bene wanting to put forth him-
self to helpe the Companie in poynl of exercise, but the want of psons
fitly qualified to take the Charge of the Companie was much bewailed by
general sober minded and well atested psons ; sum years agoe within the
time aforementioned, our neighbor Rogers was made choise of and did
ofiseat for sura Considerable time, and in the time of Sargant Winders
being Comander in Cheife, though seucrall in the Companie were vnsatJsfied
with the said Sargant Rogers and the grounds they aledged was thai it
was not a legall choise in Regard it was not alended acording to Law but
that we that bore arms and were in the feild then, did voal and sura that
had Right tovoat had no notice of the Choise : and also did not apprehend
him fitly qualified for the place, and this coming to the ear.s of the aforsaid
Sargant Willder did fully manifest himself vnwilling to ofiseat any longer
without a new choise and sum of the Companie do afirinc that !!Sargant
Rogers did alsoe discouer himselfe to be of the same mind but most of the
companie doe alirme thai he did not manifest any thiiig to the contrarv.
And therevpon tfie Companie' went to choise of two Sarganis, and Sargant
Willder was againe Chosen to be Cheife oficer & John More for a Sargant
to asist him. And why our neighbor Rogers should vpp a conceit that he
was turned of, and alsoe a preiudice agst the Companie and not to ateod to
ofiseat in the place of a Sargant. nor to come in the place of a privat soul-
dier we know of no militarie custom for the same, wee desire not to put
him to trouble nor charg. but desire that quiet and order may be preserued
in the Companie and the said goodmau Rogers being present with ilie
Companie this i6 day of Mar beinge a training day, vpon sum discourse
about sending downe it was moued tliat sum thing might be proposed in
Reference to the ending the diference at home, it was desired thai our
neighbor Rogers woidd mension his greiuances to the Companie thai so
It might be they might be taken of, that so there might be a comfortabt
Composure of the diference, and he desired y' y Companie on their part
would first declare & it was manifested by the Companie that they h^
nothing against him but only his absenting from publique trainings, but
be Refused to aquaiat the Companie with what was an obstruction in hlx
4
4
90 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
3
of the towne, the peiultie of which is iwenlte shillings a moDlbe to any
such as soe doe, the payment wherof Is by him denyed iho legally demand-
ed, and herin laite not but make a Keturne vnder your hand, dated the
2j of march 1671 . By the Court Ralph Huughtuo R.
This AiachmeDt was senied and boad taken this 24 of March 1671
Ity me, Gamaliell Beman
CoMSlabU 9/ Lancaster.
The deposision of Ralph Houghton aged about 47 yeares. Wilnesseth
that the Last Spring of the yeare, I met with William Liacorne in our
towne and he being a stranger I inquired of him what his ocasion was
their and he told me he was about to hire a ^m of master Kimball in the
towne, and I told him of our towne orders which did impose a penaliie of
iweutie shillings p month to any thai should com to inhabit without the
consent of the townsmen, And advised him to got to the townsmen &
haue their aprobation before he made any contract with master Kimball,
and he told me thai be had bene with three of the townsmen who were
met vpon sum other ocusion and they had apoynted him a day when he
might come and haue a full meeting, and be beard, but he did not atend
that meeting: And further this Deponent saith not.
1672, 7 May. Whereas the honoured Majo' Willard, Mr Thomas Dan-
forth w"' the late Capt Johnson, haue, by order of this Court, binti a
comittee to order the prudentiall alfaires of Lancaster for many yeares,
Lancaster hauing bhin setled for seuerall yeares. & as the sajd comittee
informes, many yeares since binn trusted by them & able lomannage their
owne aliaires ; the sajd towne of Lancaster now humbly desiring the
Couris favour, that Ihe Comittee, for their great pajnes & service for so
long a season, may be thankfully acknowledged & dismisi from futuie
trouble in such respect, & themselues betrusted, as other townes are,
to mancage their owne affaires, the Court judgeth it meet to grant their
request heerin.
[ MassachusEns Records.]
To ihe koHourabU the Gov the Deputy Gov magis &* Depulyu asstmbled
in Ihe ^tfall Court.
The Petition of Jno Prescott of Lauchaater In most humble wise sbew-
eih, Whereas y* Petilio' hath purchased an Indian right to a small parcell
of Land, occasioned & circumstanced for quantity & quality according to
Ihe deed of sale herevnto annexed and a pt [hereof not being legally
setled vpon me vnlesse 1 may obleyne the favo' of this Court for the Con-
firmation thereof. These arc humbly to request the Courts favo' for that
end. Ihe Lord haueing dealt graciously with mee in glueing mee many
children I account il my duty to endeauo' their prouission St selling and
do hope that this may be of some vse in y' kind, 1 know not any daim«
K
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. gi
made to the said land by any towtie. or any legall right y' any other per-
sons haue therein, and therefore are free for mc to occupy & subdue as
any other, may 1 obteync the Courts approbation. I shall not vse farther
motiues, my condition in other respecks & w' my trouble & expenses haue
been according to my poor ability in my place being not altogether vn-
known to some of j^ Court.
Thai y' Lords p'aence may be with & his blessing accompany all yo'
psons. counsells, & endcauo" for his honor & y' weule of his poor people
is y' pray of
Yo' suppliant. JOHN Prescott Sen'
17:3: 1672 read and referred to y° Comittee,
In Reiference to this Petition the Comittee being well Informed that
the Pet' is an ancient Planter & hath bin a vsefitll helpful! & puliljque
spirited man doinge many good offices (for the Country Relalinge to the
Koad to Coneclicolt, marking trees, directinge Of Passengers &c and that
the Land Petitioned for beinge but about 107 Acres & Lyinge not very
Convenient for any other Plantation, and only accomodable for the Pet'
we Judge it reasonable to conRrme the Indian Grant to him & his heyres
if y* honor* Court see meete.
The Deputyes approue of the returne of Edward Tyng
the Comittee in answer to this pel ; o' Hon- George COKwm
o'* magis" consenting hereto. Humi-hrey Davie
W" TOSREV a^r/i:
29 May ■- 72. Consented to by y magisis
Eow Rawson Secret.
Attention was called to the above petition by the Honor-
able Samuel A. Green. Both petition and deed are among
the Shattuck Manuscripts in the possession of the New
England Historic, Genealogical Society. The grantor was
James Wiser, alias Quanapaug. that brave Christian cap-
tain of the Nashaivays, whose timely warning of the
impending danger might have prevented t!ie massacre of
February-, 1676, had the colonial authoiilies paid proper
regard to it. The land j'oined Prescott 's farm at Washacum
previously granted. The railroad buildings and tracks at
Sterling Junction occupy a portion of it.
In the Middlesex Court Files are several papers relating
to Elizabeth Parker's illegitimate child, and Edmund
Parker's neglect of Sabbath day ordinances. The more
important of them are here transcribed, not only to record
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
town action, but because they afford a picture of what was
probably the most abjectly wretched home in Lancaster-
For Uecoa Farkes &' tht selectmen of Knxhiiry.
You are herby to lake notice that ihe seleclmeii of ihe Towne of Lan-
casler haue made Applicalion «nlo the Court of tins County held yestefday
being the iSth of June where they manifested theinselues onwiUing to
Rcceuc into their towne a Bastard Child born of the body of Elizatielh
Parker in your towne & now sent with the mother to liue in the towne of
Lancaster with Edmund Parker who is a very poor man & vnable to main-
leyne his owne family much le.ss ilie said Hastard Child &l its mother, tlie
Court haue heard their Complaint & ordered that the selectmen of Rojc-
bury do take care to prouide for the mainieynance of the said Bastard
Child according to Law. This at y Request I thought meet to certifie
you, Mr Danforth being not psetit to glue you a Copy of ye' Courts order.
June ig*: 1672. Yr louing friend
Daniel Gookim C.
To tht Constable of lamhatcr or his deputy.
You are in his majesties name {several '^uords UUgiile'] the child of
Eliiabeth Parker with the mother vnio Roxbury where it was born vnles
the grandfather Edmund Parker will vndertake to secure the town of Lan-
chester to the saltisfecion of the selectmen whereof you are not to faile
this 29 of 4 mo 1672, this is a trew coppy.
Simon Willard a
The foUowing is neither signed nor dated : it is in Ralph
Houghton's handwriting.
Worshipful and honoured genlliiiien.
Wee have Receiued a letter bearing
date the 30: 5m: 71, wherby wee vnderstand your worships wanted
information In Regard you had the report only of one panic in Reference
to the bastard child borne at Koxberie. for had your worships bene well
informed and well considered Ihe trouble it hath caused in our pore towne,
wee supose the curanl of your advise wonld haue Run an other way, for
besides the infamie of hauing a bastard, legaly lathered vpon another towne
as apears by the order of the honoured Countie Court at boston prouision
being made iheire for the keeping of it, and the townsmen willing and for-
ward to take care of and for it. that If the said maintalnance ordred were
to scanty they would vse means to make it vp by the towne, and yet not-
withstanding all this, that Ihe Reputed fitther which is soe able to h»ue
kept his owne, should violently and forcibly If not fraudelently thrust it
vpon vs, it being soe that he did know that the townsmen had warned
Ldmund Parker, him that tooke the child to the contrarie before ihcy bad
r
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 53
made any Conlract about it, wee coDCeiue had the like bene done to your
towne, your worships would haue bene of an other mind and liaue loobed
at J ouraelues caled to stand vp In your towns defence against such a wrong
and the sence your worships h.id of the pore infants sufering would haue
mriued you to haue advi.sed the Right owner to haue kept his owne ami
not to haue exposed it to an other jureney and the hazard thereof, and
had your worships knowne tht pore man's incapacitie for such a thing in
Respect of his habitation is soe mean that when it Raines their is noe
dric plac in it and many times forced to gae to other houses for shelter
and for lodging, but one pore bi-d for himselfe his son and daughter all to
lodg in or sleep by the tire, soe that before she went from him lo liue in
service It was said they all lay togather. which ocasioned her to ly at neigh-
bouring houses and soe her lime was lost & she became a burden to her
lather and other neighbours, whcr she haunted, and then .she went to
service ; and also the mans ill dUposision in Refranc to the ordering of
his iamily, which was but one son who Is about 30 years of age. and all
the means the towns men from time to time can vse would not be avail-
able to cause him 10 get his said son a litte learning nor 10 aiend to the
publique ordinances on the Lords day, soe as thai it is said and credibly
Reported that he hath not bene at meeting a whole year and when delt
with. fuU of froward and peevish and provoking language, and that is the
best that can be expected by the townsmen's endeuors with him, therefore
the townsmen humbly craue the asistance and helpe of the next honoured
Countie Court herin and alsoe to judge whether this man be fit to lake
more young ons in to his family, and alsoe in Referenc to the Ch^rg that
roust of nessesitie be forthwith expended In building and for lodging and
other ocsesaries fit for a woman that giues sucke and such a child that .soe
their liues are healthey, may not be e.tposed to danger and the towne to
quiet, we supose your worships will judge the burden too heavie for this
pore towne. and not countinance the Reputed father in such an vniust im-
posision. but to lay the charg vpon him who is soe able to beare it, and
says it shall be Am tho it cost him ^100, or otherwise that the Countie
may Contribut herin or that the honoured Countie Court would be pleased
la free our towne of guilt in case either the mother or cliild sufer or pish.
And soe crauing pardon for our boldnes herin we Rest }-ours In subiection
lo law and order,
1672 Oct I. The Court hauing considered the Complaynt of Lanchas-
ler si'leclmen referring to the Bastard Child of Silvanus negro, late serv'
to Ueacon W" Parks of Roxbery, and entertained by Edmund Parker of
their Towne Contrary to their order & notice giuen them, nolwiihstanding
the vnsutable prouision y' he hath for the enlertainm' thereof as ihey in-
forme. Do order that during the abode of y' said child in y' place, the
selectmen shall take care Ih.tt it be prouided for in all respects a^ humanity
and religion requires, and that the said Parker shall glue them bond with
94 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
sufficient suretyes to the vallue of ioOj£ for to saue the Towne harmless &
to pay all disbursments for the proiiission of the said child, or otherwise
the sd Parker shall return it to Roxbury, there to be prouidcd for accord-
ing to the order of Boston Court.
Lancaster this i3'!' ii"*: 1672
A bill of charges drawne vp by the townsmen in Reference to the bas-
tard child of Elizabeth Parker.
1 The Cunstable and Ralph Houghton themselues and horses
attending Charlestown Court where the child was fath-
ered vpon Roxburie o : 1 1 : o
2 Goodman Prescott going to Nonacoyecos for a warant to
convey the child to Roxbury ' o : i : o
3 Going downe to Roxburie to carry the child and its mother,
2 men and 3 horses o: 16: o
4 the Cunstable and goodman Prescott attending Cambridge
Court by their order in Reference to making prouision
for her child o : 16:0
5 to Jonathan Whetcombe for a horse to nonacoiacus o : 1:0
tot £2. — 5-
1673 I** of 2 mo. — Lankester
Wee doe present daniell James for living from vnder £amely govern-
ment. Witnes John More & John Prescot Sen'
[Grand Jury presentments — Middlesex Court Files.]
To the Cunstable of Lanchaster.
In his majties name you are required to warne Ed™ : Parker & his sonne
Abram to apeare at y* Court to be held at Charlstowne the 16*** of this
instant December to ans' for neglect of Gods Publ worship on y« Lds
Dayes & for witnesses J no Prescot Sen"" & Hen*" Kerly, Also Jon Addams
to answer for lying & false dealing & for witness Jonathan Prescott & John
Diuell & hereof you are to make a true returne ynd' yo' hand and not to
faile
dat 4: 10: 73 Tho Danforth R
Edmund Parker and his son and the witneses to his case wer warned
to apeare at the Court acording to this warant. Jon Adams was absent
and could not haue warning but the others were warned as aforsaid.
8: 10: 73 By me Jonathan Prescott Cunstable,
To the Honoured Countie Court at Charlstowne.
The humble Request of the townsmen of Lancaster in Reference to
Edmund Parkers presentment sheweth that the witneses namly John Pres-
cott sen who is aged and iniirme and not able to atend the court being
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
95
winter season, the grand jurie man did inforitie the said Parker that If he
ilid not Reforme his not coming to meeting he must present him, but he
did not Reforme neither hath bene at meeting, neuer since the last Court.
he semelh to plead his pouertie and want of cloathes but in answer to that
he halh land and catle sum what considerable and himselfe and his son
able Ijodied for labor, and no after cliarge only bis daughter and her bastard
which he violently tooke in. contrarie lo the towns order and much endeu-
ors against the same which the honoured court is well aquainled with : in
Reference to his lion it is the greife of many in the towne, and the tonns-
mcD, that he hath had noe beter educacion : the towns men haue laboured
with the said Parker to get his son some learning and to send him forth lo
publique catechising but all in vaine. but haue had many froward peevish
expresions from him, soe that he hath wearied them out. They liue mis-
erable vncomfortable liues both for food and cloatb. and lodging, it is
Reported that all the sleepe they haue is siting by the (ire vpon a bloke,
and all through his owne froward imprudent cariage. theirfore it is the
humble Request of the townsmen that the honoured Court would be
pleased to asist the townsmen in this hussiness either by sentance or coun-
sell or what way soe eucr may be most conducing to the poore mans wel-
fair and his sons. And in soe doing the honoured Court will Ingage the
townsmen as in dutie bound cucr to pray.
By order of the townsmen
Lancaster rj: lomon; 1673. Ralph Houghton Clarke
Lancaster the 4"' 2 mon: 1674
To the Honoured Cnuiilie Court silingnt Cambridge the 7'* of Aprill 1674.
The townsmen of Lancaster. In faithfullness to our neighbour Parkers
soule and body both, doe count it their dutie to giue sum informacion to
this honoured Court, it being soe that their indeuors at home hath bene
fiuitlese. And Ihey wearied out with pevish, froward provoaking expres-
sions, when they haue laboured to psuade him 10 put himselfe and familv
into a more comfortable way of liuing. for it is hard for the honoured
Court to conceiue how vncomfortably the pore man liues both in Respect
of food cloathing and lodging iho he hath land and catle considerable and
a strong yong man to his son and noe other charge but what he hath need-
leslj- and indiscreetly brought vpon himselfe in taking in his daughter and
her bastard child forcibly against the towns order soe that through his
owne indiscretion he hath brought a great burden vpon himselfe, If not
vpon the towne. the towns men from time to lime halh laboured with him
ID Reference to his son to gett him sum learning and lo bring him vp to
sum honest imployment acording as the law prouids or to sufer them to
doe it. but nothing would prevaile with him. but as it is signilied tcf the
honoured Court by a presentment it is certainly knowne among vs that his
son halh not beene at meeting at the worshipe of god this seuerall yeares
^6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
only sum few sabothes about a yeare senc. And he himselfe hath not
beene in the meeting house for sum considerable space of time which is to
our greife. nor about the house in the time of publique worshipe saue sum
few sabothes a late And what his Reson is wee know not. And his not
coming into the house makes the case doubtful] to the witnesses as to take
a posetiue oath that he doth not com. And herin your worships haue a
true Relation of the case in Reference to our neighbour Parker. Crauing
Pardon for our boldnes herin we shall not trouble the honoured Court any
further at present.
Subscribed by order of the townsmen Ralph Houghton
1674 April 7*1* Edmund Parker of Lanchaster appearing before the
Court & being convicted of neglect of Gods worship in Publ on the Lords
dayes both himselfe & £cimily was admonished. And the Court do comend
it to the care of the selectmen of y* place dilligent to inspect his family
and obser\'e their manners for the future, and in case that they find not an
amendment in those charges whereof he hath been now convicted they
are then hereby ordered and impowered to dispose of his sonne to service
where he may be better taught & governed, and in case that threw stub-
bornnes of &ther or sonne. they be obstructed herein, that then they in-
forme y^ Court or some of the magts thereof who will take order therein
as the law directs.
1674, Oct 6. The Comittee nominated A prill 73 for laying out y« high-
way between Groton & Lanchaster are againe desired and impowered by
this Court to attend y* same and Capt James Parker is to appoynt time &
place for their meeting.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
This committee had taken action the year before, and
the following report of their doings is found in ^The
Early Records of Groton," by the Honorable Samuel A.
Green.
Wedensday 4 of June 1673 fforasmuch as the countrey hye way as it
was formerly layd out by Lankaster and groaten \*pon seuerall yeares triall,
proued to be ver}' insufficient and very difiicult to be made passable in
regard it ^^-as for the most part lyeing in the Intervailes wheirin their are
seuerall soft places and litle brookes vpon which bridges and other mater
for making the same passable is apt to be raised and tome \'p by floods
and \'pon exp)eriance of the same Lancaster made aplication to groaten for
Remouing of the said way to Run more \'pon the vpland which was Read-
ily atended and John Prescott seni-and Roger Sumner for Lancaster and
sergent Parker and corperall Knop for groaten wer chuse committe by both
to townes to lay out the said hye way as aforsaid which was atended the
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. py
day aforsaid as folio we th (viz) first within the bounds of groaten they toke
their begining at their meeting house to the mille of Jonas Prescott
by Matthias fFarnworths his house six Rods wide turning of out of the
common miU way near twent}' Rod aboue the mille and then it Runs 4
Rode wid through the land of the aforsaid Jonas Prescott acording as it is
described by trees marked by the men aforesaid and from the said Jonas
Prescotts land to penicooke Riuer in Lancaster through swan swamp 6 Rod
wide as it is already marked out by the coinitte aforsaid and from the way
aforsaid butting upon Penicook near to the night pasture wading place,
they tak the way as it is left in width through the Intervayle and ouer nash-
away bridge and soe to the meeting house and as it is to be vnderstood
that the way within lancaster bounds Runes neare the mideway betweene
the brook medow and plumtrees medowes ouer a hill called Mahaneknits
hill and soe along on the vpland to the pond path as it Runes near to the
Still Riuer medow and Josiah Whits medow vntill it come to the Swan
Swamp path as aforsaid and to the confirmation hereof the comitte afore-
said haue here vnto put their hands the day and year aboue said
John Prescott
Roger Sumner
James Parker
James Knop
1674. General Daniel Gookin says of the Nashaway Indians ** These
have been a great people in former times but of late years have been
consumed by the Maquas wars and other ways ; and are not above fifteen
or sixteen £&milies.^'
'.-» 1.
|675- ffmm Nashowali Allies [ali'is] Linkesier 16'"; Aug" 1675.
Honoured Sir
last nighUaboutt seauen A Clockewemarlchcd Into Nasho—
wah wheare we are A it Presentt butt sliall as soone as the Constable Hajthw ^r-»
prest vs a dozen Horsses; Proseed for groatton & so to Chcnceford ; ac^ '
cording to the ord" Majo' Willard gaue me yesterday Alt Quoahbauge :^- ^ ~'
our Majo'' hauejng A Seartayne Intelligence of a ConaideraWi — '"■ ■ ^
Party of Indians y' haue gathered loogather a liltell aboue Chcnsfbrt^^^^^*
which I hope wee sbalbe vp with this Nighl or to Morrough at furthest & -a^:^ *■
if it pleese God 1 come vp w"' them god assisliiig me 1 wjll Cloosely in "-■
gadge wjth them, & god Spearing my life I shall as oppertunity gives leave^^^^"*^^
Acqualnll yo' honor off my Acljons; T Have w* me butt 60: Men a^^^'-^^ '
Samuell Mosley
The above is extracted from a letter of the noted CaptaiiK — *' ^'
of dragoons to Governor Leverett, in Massachusetts ar "^ ^
chives Lxvii. 239. Six days later, Sunday, August 22dr- -*— ^
the Indians having warily avoided an encounter with th^;^^ _^c~i
dragoons, and got in their rear, made a raid upon Lancas ^^^ ^
ter. Gen. Daniel Gookin states that this bloody foray wa^s- -^ ''"'*
headed by a one-eyed chief of the Nipmucks, named Johir^^ -^ti'
Monoco, "who lived near Lancaster before the war began,'"' -^r- '
and that he had twenty of Philip's men with him. Mrs-
Rowlandson writes :
Those seven that were killed at Lancaster .... upon a sabbath day.
and the one who was afterwards killed upon a week day, were slain Bnd=
mangled in a most barbarous manner by one eyed John and Marlborough^
praying Indians, as Che Indians told me.
f
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
99
The charge against the Christian Indians was maliciously
untrue, as proven upon their trial. The scene of the
murders was lit the north end of the setdement, the house
of the MacLouds being in the neighborhood of the North
ge cemetery. The names of the slain were :
George Bennet,
William Flagg,
Jacob Farrar, Jun..
Joseph Wheeler,
Mordecai MacLoud,
Mrs. Lydia MacLoud,
Hannah MacLoud, aged four
years,
An infant MacLoud.
Flagg was a soldier detailed for duty here, from Water-
town. Wheeler was not a Lancaster man, but probably
of Concord.
■fffr the Honoured Countie Court siting at Camiridge.
desired by a poore widow whose husband was slaine by the Indi-
and hath s small children left with her ; by a law of the counlrie
shee should haue brought in an Inuentorie of her husbands estate, but
Buch are the delicultie.s of the time, and alsoe the trouble of her liile chil-
that shee could not postbly with any saftie com clowne ; her name is
Lidia Benet, And alsoe a Scotsman Mordicai Mukload who alsoe was
slaine and his wife and children, and his house and goods all burned : he
hath a brother suruiuing, both of them had a desire to haue com downe
ill) their Inueniorie.s but both of them haue Catle in the woods, but know
ot whether the Indiana haue killed them or not, and therefore they
humbly desire the honoured Court not to looke vpon them as contemners
of aulhoriiie but giue them liberty vntil! another Court and in soe doing,
the honoured will ingage the widow and fatherless children as In dutie
they are bound lo pray for the honoured Court.
Laiis2:8'": 1675 Subscribed by RALPH Houghton
Clarke of the larits
[Middlesex Court Files.]
The bold incursion of one-eyed John was but the prelude
Co the fearful tragedy of February lOth. Of the plan for
the destruction of Lancaster in all its details, even to the
wery day assigned for its accomplishment, the colonial
Buthorities were fully advised ; yet so far as any records
bhow, with a neglect that seems criminally strange, they
did almost nothing to ward ofl" or meet the blow. Of the
A ?Ok'>_L5 I ^ UL>' ZJlSZ
rr-ri*r iie^erre* n r*r rjioirfd 123:0;^ :is ihan that Indian
ic -n- ^ijiJir- i:z*=rKCt. *i£Z i:dc foriziT «£>:«i^ have saved
•i/t xiT- fnc rtj* =iis«awr« :c irfTrr- — Jjsaaes Qoanapaug,
ilii* J'irr»£* "iVaer- iZl« t^iezkecKac. or Qpamiapohit.
T";ii Ciriicix:! T^i*^!;' -p-i* h: w-eLl kac*»^ iar his bravery,
lipfcirr. kz.i -Erytzjdstz^ izc ±je Eag^Vh, that Philip had
ziirktc rizz ::t '=.irv»T5:d- izic grricz. vjcdcrs accordingly'
zz *:dc :-:' hii- If-e'-.^ic^irSw The £^:T-m?r 01" the Colony
iri-.n: ri-r si^e ii:e. v::- Tfarcoec hisi ^ad a fellow Chris-
riz. r.i=je>£ J : c Kj.rr^iirh- fnici NiSri:, sbr the dangerous
^g — ^-T^ :; . -5;:^::=^ rie lacLiz: rs^ri^ Sr brirg back inlbrma-
'Ijzz. :•:' rie z:i=:i"rer* i=c pLkss vc P^£zpV mccs. These
r» w =L-er- ±.e riiciritz W^IiiLn H::bcxtrd lefls us, "through
rit T:i:d^. in ±.r »:e>ib:j ::" wiisuer- vben the wavs were
—pisstrl-r :r iz:j xrier srr: cc p«copJe,* sought the
X:r«:i-iC :---:p:ac<. iZri "rnfcred riesr bcscaes? ao prudently
i^ ZS.1Z triev -atr^ ic::nrr:ed iri: :i>jist I::Miian habitations as
•■^rt cl:^T wiichc>i, bcwever. direasencd. and but tor
i piwerfjl frienc wodc ^ve be>»i sLLimi. In Qjianapaug^s
Ntr: -n-znizi^ I vsrt tr -^w-e^r-d friii's w^isiai. He said he was
s:\m1 1 : «^ TTi* — I Vt.* re^f!!. ri* r"jec)d "najL i Tc^rs it bvi ^ ^ p^ him kill
WMii;p — i.--i 5ii-i -•:.r»:c7 5C»rc£c 3ieo£ie witi aae. I told him what
»*4 5«-.i :: -zrt Hi siii S trj "roix b^rt -se tier s&ci^ die .... I
'^j ji litt ii^— -rcsfs -w^rwir: ; izic *>t :^:ar55»i is jcs, and threatened
iz:; Tij^ -J:u.t >ir.:u--i rc-c — < *irL .... Aac tiiis !r>rtin told me they
fur^'i ill -:r»:- li-risriT. Or-rjc. M-irlrcr^iaci, Socbcry and Medfield.
iZ'i iii: :>•* frs: :h:rfj: ire;* »\:»^ ic *i«r«;L.Vi be to cat down Lancaster
I'-jiXi 5.: :: T.-Zri'tr ir^— ±^^1 ir«i. .ssKscizof ccc^ia^ »? them, and they in-
zzZjZxtI ■.: ziL -TC- rr-j-r. .- xrcc: rw^scr*' Ci-rs liae from W'
Quinar^iuc dcdir.g thit he must scon meet Philip, and
ii-in^ enectei the zuLin purp»:<e of hts errand, evaded his
5,1*7: w-i:u> f.xrs by a cur.nir.g sCTii-igeni* and on the 24th,
f
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1735. loi
iitli mo., 1675. brought to his employers, the Governor
and Council, full knowledge of the hostile forces and their
fell intent. The emergency demanded speedy energy ; it
met inaction. Rumors of coming woe meantime stirred
the air in the Nashaway valley. The chief military offi-
cer, the minister, and other leading citizens wen\ to the
Bay to awaken the Council from their lethargy and beg
for help. It was too late. February 9th, 1675-6, about
ten o'clock at night. Job Kattenanit, the sucond spy, com-
pletely exhausted, dragged himself to Major Gookin's door
in Cambridge. He had deserted wife and children, and
alone travelled upon snow shoes through the pathless
wilderness from New Braintree, a terribly fatiguing march
of eighty miles, tu save his English friends. James Quan-
apaug had foretold that on the morrow the blow would be
struck at Lancaster. Let Daniel Gookin tell Job's story,
and the fulfillment of the prophecy.
He brought tidings that before he came from the enemy al Meiiemessc.
a parly of the Indians, about four hundred, were marched forth to attack
and bum Lancaster, and on the morrow, which was February 10I' they
would attempt it. This time exactly suited with James his information
before hinted, which was not then credited as it should have been; and
consequently no so good means used to prevent it or at least to have lain
ID ambashments for the enemy. As soon as Major Gookin understood
this tidings by Job, he rose out of his bed, and. advising with Mr Dan-
forth one of the Council that lived near him, they despatched away post
ia the night to Marlborough Concord and Lancaster, ordering forces to
surround Lancaster with all speed. The posts were at Marlborough by
break of day and Captain Wadsworth with about forty soldiers marched
away as speedily as he could possibly to Lancaster (which was ten miles
distant). But before he got there the enemy had set lire on the bridge:
Bui Cap! Wadsworth got over and beat otr the enemy, recovering a gar-
rbon house, that stood near another bridge, belonging to Cyprian Stevens,
and so through God's favor prevented the enemy from cutting otf the gar-
rison, God strangely preserving that hand^l with Capt Wadsworth,
for tue enemy were numerous, about four hundred, and lay inambushment
for him on the common road, but his guides conducted him in a private
way and so they got safe to Cyprian Stevens, his garrison as above men-
tioned. fJut the enemy had taken and burnt another garrison house very
near the other only a bridge and a little ground parting them. This house
1
ANN.\15 CF L.^VCA5TER,
zi:z1sz£t'5 "htxs^ Mr R-^i2::Cdoo wberetn were slain and
:o i: r'jriT p«r5*x:5. :^e ziizLsver's wis and chOdren amongst
The narradve of Mrs. Rowlandson, a sufferer in the
tragrrdy. is a source of niuch of oar knowledge of the
horrors of iha: day. For tuo hundred years her little
book has kep: hold up^rn popular favor, and twenty or more
edit: >ns testily the public appreciation of its simple elo-
quence. It need not be qu>:>ted here. Other briefer
contemporary- records of the massacre arc :
I. William Hubbard's, in "A Narrative of the Indian
Wars in New Englaad.~ 1677-
Aboc: the izt^ of Fei'mzir after, soae faondreds of the Indians,
whether Nipaets or Nashavzr sen is csoertain. belonging to him they
c^I S&jamore 5a=r.. jud po>s:b> son:e of tbe stoutest of the Narrfaagan-
sets th^t h^d escapoi the winter brjnt, iel! -^pon Lancaster, a small village,
of ai>Du: nfty or sixty a:r.:':es. and did soch mischief, boming most of
the houses thit were not gsrrisoGed : And which is most sad and awfiil
to consider, the house of Mr RowLindson. sinister of the said Lancaster,
which was £:2UTi5on6d with a conipetent n*xmber of the inhabitants : yet
the fort:f.cit:o=^ o: the house rein^ on the back ssde dosed up with fire
wood, the Indiins go: so ueju- as to c?e a leaster. which burning the house
ixmedlatel;. to the ground, ill the ^rsons therein were put to the hani
choice, cither to perish by the dimes, with the house* or to jield them-
selves into the hiuds o: those cr^ savages, which last (considering that
a lirins dog is letter than a deid lion) they chckse. and so were forty-two
r*ersoas surrrised bv the I::d:in5. above twectr of the women and children
ihey carried away captive, a nietUi spectacle to behold : the rest being men,
they killed ir. the place, or reserved for further misery : And many that
Were not slain in r.ghiing. were killed in attempting to escape. The minister
himself was occosiorjilly absent, to seek help irom the Goremor and Coun-
cil to defend the place, who returning, was entertained with the tragical
news of his wife and children surprised, and being carried away by the
enemy, and his house rumed into ashes, yet it pleased God so to uphold
his heart, comforting himself in his God. as Dand at Ziklag, that he
would always say. he believed he would see his wife and children again,
which did in like manner soon o>me to pass within n\t or six months af-
ter: all. save ihe youngest, which being wounded at the first, died soon
after among the Indians.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 103
And such was the goodness of God to those poor captive women and
children, that they found so much favor in the sight of their enemies, that
they offered no wrong to any of their persons, save what they could not
help, being in many wants themselves. Neither did they offer any uncivil
carriage to any of the females, nor ever attempted the chastity of any of
them, either being restrained of God, as was Abimeleck of old, or by
some other accidental cause which withheld them from doing any wrong in
that kind.
Upon the report of this disaster, Capt. Wadsworth, then at Marlborough,
with about forty resolute men, adventuring the rescuing of the town that
was remaining: And having recovered a bridge, they got over safe,
though the planks were pulled off by the enemy, and being led up in a
way not discovered by them, they forced the Indians for the present to
quit the place, after they had burnt and destroyed the better half of it.
Yet afterwards it not being judged tenable, it was abandoned to the pleas-
ure of the insulting foe.
2. A letter written February loth, 1675-6, by Thomas
Hinkley, then in Boston, to his wife ; printed in the appen-
dix, page 436, to Nathaniel Morton's "New England's
Memorial," edition of 1826.
Dear Heart :
Since my last inclosed which I broke up to signify to thee, not
to expect my coming home this week. Job the other Indian spy, sent out
as I have before said, is last night returned to Capt. Gookins & informs,
that the Narragansets are got to the Quabaug Indians four hundred of
them & three hundred of the others as I mentioned heretofore & informs
that six of Eames his children, the owner of the house burnt at Sudbury
of which before, are with the Indians, and the Indians intend marching
this day three hundred of them to fall upon Lancaster alias Nashaway.
Post was sent by Capt. Gookin and Mr Danforth last night, midnight for
eighty troopers & forty foot thereabout & at Marlborough to hasten to
Lancaster for their relief, but whether they came time enough is not yet
known. A post came thence today to inform, a great many Indians were
at Lancaster bridge : and the smoke of some houses fired there appeared
to him as he came. The good Lord fit us for his pleasure.
3. A True Account of the most Considerable Occur-
ences that have happened in the Warre between the English
and the Indians in New England. London 1676.
104
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
the Enemy visited ub, and assaulted Lancaster, a small Town.
in which the Inhabitants, having retired into some fbrtiBed Houses and
deserted the Rest, the Indians burnt those, and assaulted the Garrisoned
Houses, but were not able lo carry any of them but one, wherein were 42
Persons 12 men. the Rest Women and children of whom they slew several.
and carried the Rest Prisoners : The House was the Ministers, one Mr
Rowlandson, whose Wife and Children ihey carried Caprive (which are
since returned lo us) on the 1 1"" of May two of our Captives
were returned by Ransom from the Indians who had been taken at the
Destruction of the Town of Lancaster : the one of them the Sister of the
Wife of Mr Rowlandson Minister of the Place: and another Woman
taken out of the same House About the time of that Thanks-
giving the Son and Daughter of that worthy Minister of Jesus Christ. Mr
Rowlandson, who had been Captives since the Burning of Lancaster were
returned by Ransom. She wandered with an Indian Woman from ifee
Rest of the Indian Company (by whom she had been detained) three
Days in the Woods, having Nothing to cat all that time but green Hurtle-
berries : with which she was sustained till she and the Woman arrived at
our English Town of Providence, and so got Home.
4. News from New England being a True and last Ac-
count of the present Bloody Wars, &c. London 1676.
in a Town called Nashaway which Ihey set Fire lo. and burnt
to the Ground, taking no less than 5s Persons into their Merciless Cap-
tivity of these 55 Captives, the Minister of the Towns Relations
made no less than 17 of them : viz, Mrs Rowlandson the Ministers Wife,
and three of his Children, her Sister [Elisabeth Kirley\ and seavea Chil-
dren, and her Sister Drew [Hannah Di'voW] and four Children, . . .
Another pamphlet published in London late in the same
year, entitled "A new and further Narrative of the State of I
New England," copies its facta from the preceding.
i
, CASUALTfES FeSV IO j67i. COMPII
KNOWN SOURCELS OF INFORMATION.
Killed in Rowlandson Garrison.
FROM ALL
Ensign John Divoll.
Josiah Divol!, son of John, aged 7.
Daniel Gains.
Abraham Joslin, aged :6.
John Mac Loud.
Thomas Rowlandson, nephew of the
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 105
John Kettle, aged 36.
John Kettle, Jr.
Joseph Kettle, son of John, aged 10.
Mrs Elizaheth Kerley, wife of Lieut. Henry.
William Kerley, son of Lieut Henry, aged 17.
Joseph Kerley, do., aged 7.
Mrs Priscilla Roper, wife of Ephraim.
Priscilla, child of Ephraim, aged 3.
Carried Captive from Rowlandson Garrison.
Mrs Mary Rowlandson, wife of the minister, ransomed.
Mary Rowlandson, daughter of the minister, aged ro, ransomed.
Sarah Rowlandson, do., aged 6, wounded & died Feb 18.
Joseph Rowlandson, son of the minister, aged 13, ransomed.
Mrs Hannah Divoll, wife of Ensign John, ransomed.
John Divoll, son of Ensign John, aged 12, died captive?
William Divoll, do., aged 4, ransomed.
Hannah Divoll, daughter of do, aged 9, died captive.^
Mrs Ann Joslin, wife of Abraham, killed in captivit}'.
Beatrice Joslin, daughter of Abraham, do.
Joseph Joslin, brother of Abraham, aged 16.
Henry Kerley, son of Lieut Henry, aged 18.
Hannah Kerley, daughter of do., aged 13.
Mary Kerley, do., aged 10.
Martha Kerley, do., aged 4.
A child Kerley, name & age unknown.
Mrs Elizabeth Kettle, wife of John, ransomed.
Sarah Kettle, daughter of John, aged 14 escaped.
Jonathan Kettle, son of John, aged 5.
A child Kettle, daughter do. 20
Ephraim Roper alone escaped during the assault. i
35
Mrs- Rowlandson writes : " Of thirty-seven persons who
were in this one house, none escaped either present death or
a bitter captivity save only one." Most authorities are unit-
ed, however, ii^ stating the number of the garrison as 42.
Seven persons are therefore unaccounted for in above list.
Killed outside of Rowlandson Garrison ^ being all of South Lancaster.
John Ball.
Mrs Elizabeth Ball, wife of John.
An infont child of John Ball.
£ir
Io6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Jonas Fairbank.
Joshua Fairbank, son of Jonas, aged 15.
Ephraim Sawyer, aged 26.
Henry Farrar.
Richard Wheeler.
A man mentioned by Mrs Rowlandson, but not named.
Captive.
Two of John BalPs family names unknown.
II
The whole number of casualties being 55, nine remain
not ascertained. A soldier from Watertown aged 20,
named George Harrington, was killed near Prescott's Mills
a few days after the massacre, and John Roper was killed
the day the town was finally abandoned by all its inhabi-
tants, March 26, 1676.
A special session of the General Court was called by
Governor Leverett, Feb. 21, and among the orders passed
were these :
It is ordered, on request of Capt. Scyll, that the comittee for the warr
doe forthw'*» send twenty pounds of tobacco & three gallons of rumc for
the supply of the company that now resides at Lancaster.
[Massachusetts Records.]
25"* February Mr Roulison not being disposed to accept of the motion
of y" Court to goe out w**' the forces as preacher, it is ordered, that Mr
Samuel Nowell be intreated to goe vpon that service
[Massachusetts Records.]
So great was the terror inspired throughout the Bay
towns by the quick succeeding Indian raids of this period,
that it was seriously proposed to abandon and fence out
Lancaster, Groton and other outlying towns by a stockade
eight feet high and twelve miles in length, from Watertown
to Wamesit. [Mass. Archives^ lxviii, 174.] Three pounds
per head bounty was voted by General Court for the killing
or capturing of ''sculking Indians," and the following is
found, crossed, in Massachusetts Archives, lxix, 43 :
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- trsj.
107
August 12 1676. The Councill doth hereby declare'that if any person
or persons Volunteers of this Colony shall bring in y' body of Philip
sachem dead or alive they shall haue for y reward 50^
& for Sam Sachem of Lanchaster zo^
& for Jno [Aioncca] of Lanchaster 10^
To the Hono'^ Governor.
The Information of Hugh Clarke Sheweth. That hee being the
last weeke vpon the Scout »"■ Capt. Gibbs, through the woods about Lan-
caster, Concord. Sudbury &c, they found seuerall houses deserted, haulng
corn in them & Cattle about them belonging to the late Inhabitants thereof
who for feare !efl thcire habitations, wee brought in about thirty fiive head
of Cattle into Concord which wee founde, & left about 60 bushells of corn
in one house: So that the Enemy haue a very great advantage, in recruit-
ing themselues thereby w"' provisions : and the English wilhee exceedingly
straitned without some expedient bee founde out for prevention thereof;
by drawing in the corn & cattle from the out ffarmes or otherwise as yo'
Hono' shall thinkc mccte
ffeby 23 r675. 6
In another hand, in the margin opposite the statement
about " 60 bushell.s of corn," ia written, " in Kettls farme" —
"it is so in several others."
Ordered by the Councill that the Secretary give forth w
Constables of Concord & Sudbury requiring them forlhw"' to inipresse 8
carts in each Town for the bringing down of the goods of such persons of
Lancaster as being bereaved by the late hand of god are disenabled from
continuing there w" carts shall be delivered to Ralph Houghton & Dea-
con Sumner of Lancaster to be imployed as above
24 feb 1675. past p Councill E. R. S.
[Massachuselis Archive, LXVUI, 14=^]
To the Hniw^ Gmirnor and Counsell
The humble petition of the poor deslressed people of Lancaster,
humbley sheweth, that sence the enemy mad such sad & dismall hauocke
amongst our deare ffreinds & Bretheren, & we that are left who haue our
Lines for a prey sadly sencable of Gods Judgm" upon us, this with the
dcstresse we are now in dus embolden us to present our humble Requests
to yo' Honors, hoping our Condisions may be considered by you & our
Requests find exeptance with you. our stat is very deplorable, in our Inca-
pasity to subsist, as to Remoue away we can not. the enemy has so Incom-
pased us, otherwise for want of help our calle being the most of them
caried away by the barberoufts heathen, & to stay disinabled for want of
food, the Towns people are Genrally gon who fell the Judgm' but light.
& had thcjtr catle left them with tfae]rr estate, but «c many of us heart
in ihb prison, haae Dot bread to Usi as on moagth & aai other provision
spent & gon, for the genraHytjr, oar Town b drawn into tiro Carisons
wbcrin are by the Good &vours of \o' Hon" d^teca souiders, which we
gladly ma^TitavD soe long as any thing lasts. Si if ytf Honors should call
them of, we are learlaynly a bayi for the enemy if God do not wonderfully
prevent, therefore we hop as God has mad you bthers ouer us so rou will
haue a bthers pitty to us & extend your care oner us who are yo' poor
destressed subjects. We arc sorowfu] to Leaue the place, but hoptesse to
keep it unlesse maynCayned by the Cuntrey. it troubles our sperits to giue
any Incuridgm' to the enemy, or leaue any thing for them to promot their
wicked designe, yet better sauc our Liues then lose Life & Estat both, we
are in danger emenent, the enemy leying Aboue us, nay on both sids of
us, as dus playingly Apeare. our womens cris dus dayly Increase beand
expresion which dus not only lill our eare but our hearts fall of Greefe,
which mattes us humbly Request yo' Hon" to send a Gard of men & that
if you please so comand vre may haue Carts About fourteen will Renioue
the whool eight of which has been preyed long at Sudbuiry but nevr came
for want of a small gard of men, the whooll that is. all that are in the on
Garison, Kept in Major Wiltards house, which is all from yo' Hon" most
humble servants & suplyants. Jacob pfarrar
Laacast' March ii* i6(( John Houghton Sen'
JOHK Moore
John WHrrrconB
Job Wbittcoiib
Jonathan Whittcomb
JOH.v HouGHroN Jun'
Cyprian Steevens
The other on Garison are in the like destresse & soe humbley desire
yo^ like pitty & (fatherly tar. haueing widows & many ffatherlesse chilldren.
the Numb' of Carts to Carey away this garison is twenty Carts.
Vo' Hon" Humble peltiaioners.
John Prescott Sen'
Tho. Sawyer Sen'
Tho. Sawyer Jim'
Jonathan Prescott
Tho Willder
John Willder
Sarah Wheeler wid
Win
John Rigbv
Nathanieix Wilder
John Roofer
WlIMW ROOPER
fMaiSachusells Archives, UCVIil, 156
ID Ihe haadwritiBi; of Cyprian Sleevens.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735,
109
I
A short aaradue of what I haue alended vnto by the council! of late
since I weal to reldue Groatten the ii : i : (|. 1 went to Concord, &
devided the troope committed vnto me from Esex & Northfolke, into three
pf one to garde the carls, presed from Sudbury, one pt. for the carts
presed from Concord, both lo Lancaster. & one pt for the carts that went
from Charlestowne & Waiter to wne, that 'went volintiers or wear hiered.
when I had sent them to Iher seuerall placeses I came downe, beinge the
21 : 1 : 75* : & went to Concord llie 2$: I '■ ^i when I came ther, I inquiered
how it was with Lancaster, the answer was they weare in distrese. I psently
s«nl 40 horse theiyr to fetch away corne. Sc I went iliat night to Chellms-
foord to se how it was with them, they Complayned, Billerikye Bridge
stood in great need of being fortified. I ordered that to be don. allso
ihey told me, that the Indiana made two great rafts of boords & rayles,
that they had gott that laye at the other syd of the Kiuers. I ordered. 20
aoulldiers to go oner & talte them, & lourne them downe the Kiuer or pre-
serue them, as they se cause, the 27 of this Instant I went from Chellnis-
foord to Concord agayne. when I came ther, the troopers that 1 sent to
Lancaster Ixst, had broghl awaye all the people ther but had left about 50
bushells of wheat & Indian corne. Yesierdaye 1 sent 40 horses or mor to
fetch it awaye, & came downe from Concord, this daye I expectt Ihey
will be at Concord. Some of the troope I relesed when this last worke was
don, the other I left order 10 scout ahead vntill they heer IVome me agayne .
I thought it not meet to relese more, when we stand In need of men. my
desier is to know what I shall do herin. Concord & Chellmsfoord looke
cuery daye to be fiered. & wold haue more men but know not how to
keepe them nor paye them.
19: 1 : 76.
Vour humbl s
Simon Wjh.a
■£76. April 25. Major Willard dyes at Charleston, buryed 27'^
1676. RANSOMING THE CAPTIVES.
Mr Kowlandson minister of Lancaster (a pious and good man) having
his wife, children & several friends in Captivity among the enemy . - . .
himself and several other ministers in his behalf had some time since pie-
titioned the Council to u.se what means they could for the redemption of
bis wife &c. Which the Council consented to and in pursuance thereof
ordered Major Gookin to endeavour to procure at Deer Island one or two
Indians that for a reward might adventure to go with a message to the
enemy to offer for the redemption of our captives, particularly Mrs Kow-
landson. Uui although the Major went to the Island and did his utmost
AS-SALS OF iANCASTER,
Hme }« ooold nM pvcvzil with aaj; to tfac
^nce of aim. BM oa the iji of Uucb km
£d dkxt daj. Tbe Conmdl de ch jrf tkanadns >eadf to p
Msd a I III !■ »iji a xBj omrid bcprocfcd. M^orGooldii vlto stbnd i
Mr Rovbadna hwCTBlo w» i n fcnw w i that oae of the Incfiias Uldf
brao^it dovB froH Coocord named Tom Dobict aSss Neppooct had
aooM iNcGBatwii to ran that adMBtine: of wUdi the Ujqar udonBti^ tbe
Comd) thef ordeied Cape HiBcfaBun to mat and ^ree with han wtdA he
accati£agl)'didaMl bnx^t him vp frtiiH Deer IsUadsome few days after;
and be waa kbi io M^or GooJdas at Canfaridge. where be was acoording
to the otder ai tbe Cooodl. fitted and Iwmished for this enteiprtse ; and
had a letter iron tbe CmbcQ to tbe eoemv coooenung the Kdenptkm of
the Captives, and apoa Mondaj April 3* he was sent away tirofa Canbd^e
npoa his joaniey, and he did eflect it with caie and pnidmoe aad retomed
ag^aio npoa tbe 12* cf April with this answer in writing fixm tbe enemjr.
[Daniel Gooka'i HUOarj of (he Pnjring Indians.)
Letter lent hy Tom DubUtl. Ytst tbe Indian Sagamores A people that
are in wajre against us. Intelligence b conte to as that you have some
English, etpecially womea and children in CaptirilF among you. We
lure therefore sent the messenger offering to redeem them either for pay-
ment to goods or wampum or by exchange of prisoners. We desire your
aQ>wcr by ibis our messenger what price yon demaBd for every man woman
and child, or if yxi will exchange for Indians. If rou hare any among
you that can write your answer to this our message, we desire it inn-riting;
and to that end have sent, paper pen and tncke by the messenger. If von
lelt (Hir messenger have free accesse to you. freedome of a safe relurne, we
are willing to doe the like by any messenger of yours, provided he come
unarmed, and carry a white lUg upon a slaiTe, visible to be scene, which
wc take as a flag of truce, and is used by civilized nations in time of wane,
when any messengers are sent in a way of treaty, which we have done b)
our messenger, in testimony whereof I have set my hand & seal,
John Leverett GeV
Boston 31 March 1676. Passed by the Council
Edward Rawson Stty
[MassaehusdU Records.]
Anrmer brought back April 11. We now giue answer by this
but if you like my answer send one more man besides this one Tom Nep-
anet, and send with all true heart and with all your mind by two men,
because you know and we know jour heart great sorrowful with crying fat,
your lost many many hundred men and all your house and all your
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. m
and woman, child and cattle, as all your thing that you have lost and
on your backside stand.
Sam Sachem
KuTQUEN and Peter Jethro
QuANOHiT Sagamore Scribe
Mr Rowlandson, your wife and all your child is well but one dye, your
sister is well and her 3 child. John Kettel your wife and all your child is
all well, and all them prisoners taken at Nashua is all well.
Mr Rolandson se your louing Sister his hand C Hanah
And old Kettel wif his hand •}"
Brother Rowlandson, pray send thre pounds of Tobacco for me if you
n, my louing husband pray send thre pound of tobacco for me.
This writing by your enemies
Samuel Uskattuhgun and
GuNRASHiT. two Indian Sagamores
Thb letter is printed in S. G. Drakes' " Biography and History of the Indians of
orth America." The original has not been discovered.
Mr. Rowlandsoti had meantime interested Mr. John
oar of Concord in his behalf, a man who had won to
imself the entire confidence of the Indians, by deserving
"•. His friendly and brave interposition perhaps availed
towards the recovery of the captives than all the
olony's power or the governor's diplomacy. Tom Dublett,
lias Nepanet or Nepenomp, was again sent, and with
\y\m Peter Tatatiquinea, alias Conway, with a letter from
tlie Council of which no copy is found. .They brought
back 27, 2"*" 1676, a second reply from the chiefs, written
V>y James Printer, an Indian who had passed sixteen years
apprenticeship in Samuel Green's printing office in Cam-
\)ridge. The original is in the Massachusetts Archives,
Hutchinson Papers, 11, 282.
ffiyr the Governor and the Council at Boston,
The Indians, Tom Nepennomp and Peter Tatatiqunea hath
brought us letter from you about the English Captives, especially for Mrs
Rolanson ; the answer is I am sorrow that I haue don much wrong to you
and yet I say the falte is lay upon you, for when we began quarel at
first with Plimouth men I did not think that you should haue so much
truble as now is: therefore 1 am willing to hear your desire about the
Captives. Therefore we desire you to sent Mr Rolanson and goodman
2-*- i-r." .-L
- ^-*
. - ■^. j-r Ji-
••r^r-^- r.ver.ty
% r ...
;.i.y la. MIS
• ri :z B- >ion.
.-. lie r-iiTi 10
- 1 — r>cfenger
-^rs^ '••;
- 'f /-:•:. .{'.jj^j-
^ » N
r-i^ -
• it
-.**
kk
■^
^■.-i-;.-:r _ni :hc K»l- — -"
■ i .v- ::«
- -L-. .-. . Our
—..-is :< no*
Vr.:,^ :his-
r.:>.-^ no: IC^
j.ur ThereforcT
cTJ. 1:" vo*^'
..%
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
113
(till send vs hame all tlie English prisoners, it wili be a great lestinifiny of
h inie heart in yow to peace, which yow say yow are willing to haue ; and
picn, if any of your sachems and Councellora will come to vs at Boston, or
fab to Concord or Sudhury, to meet with such cheife men an wee sliull send.
■fee will speak »■"' yow about your desires, and with true heart deale w''^
BOW. This way is the best way ; therefore send speedily to vs, whither yow
prill accept it or no. If yow vnderstand not our full minde, Seth Perry,
irhotn we now send w'* this letter, will declare it more plainely. And wee
Boe hereby grant & promise, that all such as yow shall imploy in a treaty
■"• vs shall be safe & free to come & goe, on condition thai our messen-
gers abo sliallbe safe w''' yow
May the 5"', 1676. By the Court Edward Rawson, Stcrtt
\U^
dB.]
I A verbal message seems to have been returned appoint-
ing a meeting, and Jonathan Prescolt was sent the following
rhursday, with a letter of elaborate instructions for his own
onduct, and the following :
To Ike Indian sachems. Vow know wee sent our messengers according
your desire, and wee very true heart, but yow no glue vs an'swer in writ-
;. by our messengers, as yow promise ; wee now send these our men,
wler Gardiner & Jonathan Prescott, to know your minde, whether yow
ng lelt vs haue our weomen & children yow haue ca])lives ; and if yow
: any proposall to make to vs, wee willing to heare yow -, and if yow
me yourselues, wee send some of our sachems to treat yow at Concord,
e other place where best, and yow haue safe conduct \ for wee very
e heart, and yow tell your people so.
By the Court Edw : Rawson Secret.
tM,TSSiic:l.u5ells Records.]
The story of this meeting, and of colonial ingratitude to
1 faithful and brave copper-colored Christian, was told
wight years later in a petition found in Massachusetts
Archives, xxx, 279.
ApriirUic second 1684. VVheras wee Peeter Gardner. Daniel Chamney.
\ Jonathan Prescoi were Imjiloyed By the Hono'ed Council sometime in
r June 1777 [6j to got vp among the enimy Indiana that then
red in the woods About Walchuset in order to procure the deliuery
i Inglish captiues, Wee doe Certify that Thomas Dublet alius Nepanel
r interpreter & helper in thai Affayre, And that hee had beene a
ley before that time 10 treat W* the enimy & had procured them to
IXM
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
^^r meet vs aboue tweniy raiks from Ukt quaiten. for ihe szchems mel vs
^H bctvcne Concoid 3c Groatea: and al thai lime old Goodman Morse of
^^M Vfatenoa was dcliuered to vs & brought home & haueiog By order paid
^B fower pounds for his icdemption w^ Thomas Nepanet had bargained lor
^B in his former jome}'. And we fiuther say y' the said Tom Nepaoet carried
^L it laithfull)- in that matter & Deseiues sausfacticiD for his Trauiile & Ad'
^v ueoture in y* dificult time & we vDdersiand hee hath rei:eiued no satis-
^H ^tion for that seniice hitherto, therefore wee humble conceue the
^H Hono'ed CounoU should consider him and order him to receiK ihirt) or
^1 forty shillings for that Hazardocs seruice: And In testimony of the
^1 Truth of this certificate wee whose names are aboue exp'ssed hauc here-
^1 vnto sett o' hands the day & yeare aboue written. To b«e p's«nicd to the
^^L Honble Gouenior & Councitl of the .Massachusetts Colony; by the pson
^^^^^V^ncenied. Jonathan Frescutt
^^^^^b l£tu/t>rseil] Daniel Chauni:
^^^^^^P At a Council held at Boston the 8^ Maj 1684 In Answer to the petition
^^^^ trf Tho. Dublett Indian & in sattisfaction for his paynes & irauile about j*
procurm' of Goodman Morses Greedom from ye Indians : tis ordered that
y* Tresurer giue him two Coates.
past £. R. S.
Mr. Hoar^ three pounds ten shillings of the Money ordered yoti from
Mr John Hubbert Must be remitted into the hands of Jonathan Prcscot to
compleal Payment for Goodwife Divell to y* Indians.
Boston 13 Ap. 1&76. Joseph Dudley
if order of IMt CamndU
[Mamachusetls Archive, c. 1S9.I
It! a letter from Rev, Thomas Cobbet of Ipswich lo
Mather, called " New England's Deliverances," being No.
76 of the Mather Manuscripts in the Prince Library, is
some information respecting the Lancaster captives not
elsewhere to be found.
May the 12* Goodwife Diuens [DivoU^ and Goodwife Ketle
vpon ransom paid, came in to Concord, and vpon tike ransom presently
after John Kloss of Groton and Lieftenanl Carters [lierley's] daughter
were set at libeKy, and nine more without r^msom : . . . .
.... Mr Rowlinsons daughter was brought to Seaconlce by a captiue
squa, that got away ^m the Indians, and got home after Mr Rowlinsons
son and hi.s sister Diuens [/?««//'!] daughter, vpon iheyr ransoms paid,
were brought to Major Waldrens. And about July ii"i Goodwife Ketles
elder daughter, at>out 17 y old. got away from the Indians to Marlborough
bringing her little sLster vpon her back almost stanied
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
In Massachusetts Archives, lxx, 125, a petition and ac-
Cbompanying papers add to our knowledge of this subject.
XolAe honored General Court now silling at boston October y' 15'*, 1684.
Uie humbl petision of Onesiphoraa page of SaJsbury humbly Sheweth.
fhat whearas about the Latlerenduf the Late warrwith the Indians several
nptives wear brought in at Maj' Waldrons & Mr Peter Coffens, among w"''
Bear the Sons of -Mr Roleiison & of the widow Divel : which z Captives
- petiaioner was sent lo redeem, by the widow Wells of Salsitury who
sister to Mr Rolenson ; & when yo' petison' came there the Ransom of
Kolcnson's son was pay^ by the Gentlemen of the place, so yo' peti-
■ had only lo do with the other (to will) the widow divels son : for
rhose Ransom yo' petioner gaue his bill of four pounds to Mr Coffen, A
iftcrwards Mr Rolenson moued the Counsell about il who weai" pleased to
hadertake the pajing of the sd four pound
Boston 2J" May 1677. On Oie motion & Information of Mr Rowlison
it Coodwife divaJI's son hath binn redeemed from his Captivity for which
rer pounds was promissed by Left. Peter Coffyn &by his Agent demanded
■f the sayd Coodwife Uivall ; who hauing lost hir husband & three of her
lildren: being very low & vnable lo make payment, It is ordered that
the sayd fower pounds be not already ordered lo be discharged It is now
Vdcrcd that Left Peter Coflyn placing the sayd sume on the counlreys
nt anil, It shall be allowed him. That this is a true Copie,
Attests Edw" Rawson Secrely
I By summer time the Sachems were pretty thoroughly
bumbled, as is shown by the following letters coming
!rom Shoshanim, alias Sam, the chieftain of Nashaway,
who had "insulted over the English, and said if the Eng-
ish would first begge Peace of him, he would let them
iave Peace, but that he would never ask it of them." These
letters are printed in Samuel G. Drake's "Biography and
bistory of the Indians of North America." It is not known
where the originals are.
To all Englishmen and Indians, all of yoii hear Mr Waban Mr Eliotl.
I July 6 1676. Mr John Leverett, my Lord, Mr Waban, and ail the cheif
ben our Brethren Praying to God ; We beseech you all to help us : my
ikit she is but one, but there be more Prisoners, which we pray you keep
kU : Mattamuck his wife we entreat you for her, and not onely that man,
Iwt it is the Request of two Sachems, Sam Sachem of Weshakum, and the
'akashoag Sachem. And that further you will consider about the making
i." -'L.in. JL- .i^.i-n. Mr Gookin.^ ^""^ ' ,
..: : v:.:-: v- vtrr il—..*^: there the -t:^ •'^ ,
~ ':t:'L 1 Tnii:-- .: '. rtr-rzcd back :2i
*• -rz i.^.. irrfTT" ri : XfitT we were "^
T:" ivL jir: -„:i=lr own Coumrcv '
_ U«v
7: . 7--/...: - under <ome false promise, or hope that
■•-.T i 7. r'-r-rri migiit be extended to them, or be-
:_ r. -: '.::!; privations, the sachems came in at
x^ . j: :r. Se-:? ruber and gave themselves up. A letter
' T!. :t:.l< Cbi-^ct to Increase Mather, in Massachusetts
Ar*.. .:.---. Hutchinson Papers, ii, 288-9, ^^^ ^'^^s mention
,•" M.-n CO at tliat time.
Ve blasj^hcmous speeches of one eyed John vttered at Gro-
:.^ • :».^ d' t I'.irktT in y hc-trciiii: of Diuerse: Boasting how many places
\\- ;miI r.i:rnecl, »S: saying he would hiirne Concord, Watertown, Charles-
ivUMio vKiL AtKlini;: And Me will doe. what me will : these were spread
l^cioic v Lord,& jjleaded that he would plead that cause of his soueraignty
: -■":- :. iirrxisc :•: :<_r o~tr to joyn
V::- \i:i 11: viL- :a-Cour.:jey.and i -*
.'r-z ^ r-jiL^-Mr MTfzz ><fzr.x: English ^*
:-. T-:-:: :* vi"' -J-ic—. : 1 u: I >^d if anv " «<_
^.U^ SACHEM
- -" "4 >>. -TV
." T: : . "■:' . _- ier>:-:i5 who began the war and
.•■: . .T.J.-: no: exp^i^ri to haue ihcir
.. ; .r-- JriATi ;ri:o the war. and acted only
'.- . : . -: iT:'.5 i to live quietly & peaceably
N »
;.!• t
J
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. ny
Against that wretch : w^** he did in September 76, who when taken at y*
Eastward & standing bound ready to bee put aboard y* vessel
prouided to send him & others to Boston, he suddainly fell a singing in his
humbling posture : & being asked by one of y* souldiers who was there to
guard y*", why he sung : replied : itie must sing or dye : y*" souldier replying
y* if he were so Afraid, why did he come to y*" English, he answered, y*
no man brought him thither but Englishmans god Alone brought him to
that end : and was afterward executed at Boston
1676 Sept 26. Tuesday Sagamore Sam & Daniel Goble is drawn in a
<:art upon bed deaths to execution One eyed John, Maliompe
JSagamore of Quapaug, General at Lancaster & Jethro (the Father) walk
to the gallows.
[Diary of Samuel Sewall,.!, 22.]
The stem, even-handed justice of the judges is attested
"M)y this record. Daniel Goble, thus executed with the
Hnurderers of the women and children of Lancaster, was a
soldier, the ringleader in an atrocious murder of Indian
^wromen and children, during the popular excitement suc-
^^eeding the Indian massacres. The sad story touched
JLanca^er, in the person of one of its most promising young
iKmen, and must not be passed over here.
'•Wee the Grand Jury for our Soueraigne Lord the King doe Present
^Sfe Indict Nathaniel! Wilder of Concord ILancasUr"] in the County of Mid-
l^^sex in New England for that he not hauing the feare of God before his
^^yes &. being Instigated by the Divil w**» other his Accomplises at or on
'^lie 7^ of August last, at or neere to Hurtlebury hill, in the woods in the
recincts of Concord or neere therevnto did murder & kill three Indian
^eomen & three Indian Children contrary to the peace of our Soueraigne
the King his Crowne & dignitye the law of God & of this Jurisdic-
on. The Jurors ffinds this beill and leue hime to ffurther triall.
Richard Calicott fforeman in the name off the rest off the Jurey.
{^Endorsed'] They finde a speciall vierdict. If being present & seing
le foct done & concenting, it be murder then we find him giity according
Inditement, if not not gilty.
* the keeper of the prison in Boston,
You are hereby in his majty* name, required to take into yo*" safe cus-
•dy the persons of Daniel Goble, Stephen Goble, Nathaniel Wilder &
'stniel Hoare & them safely keepe, in order to their tryall for killing of
^s»^STicrall Indians weomen & children w*** they owned, and see that they be
1 ^r*» t'A- z-j IJtJkIA£TE3L
r^jji ^ir
:c lit "lumrLl
> :r Tbtrjerer the authoritys
::* caj crf August 1676.
Rawson Secrety
to death.
: r^ I«rr : -rr, VzKi lie "arrm-u* TiKDliit S Di=5e2 Hoare & Nathan -
si 1: iiji "nan a-TCTijFLJgagisg the justice of this
Inin i. r»;:^;jr~::r Ziir-jiii i:r tut iiufSw liif Z-nan baae graxited their
rcriicc. STi" ii:.:::i*i:.i:r ; -:»i rsncz ne «3rsfac± 3 ocath passed against
ne=i. iiir rrusr t;;- tbi-; p*i irsrir 3iHr2rt» A3kd Tican pounds apeece
nciii*'- . i;i-ii± i:ri.-2* tii* isir;pt af v':izt£sas&. i:- >t p^.^'C to ibe Tresurer of
lie -iiixrr- i:iii lie :c3er •-= '"^V *; ^^Tiiryw J* — rrif i Svagon. \* Indians
-r—ifa--:— T.r ip^iac nisfiL ic p^jTrtfTC »'aiE"£iaf UK*! ant dischardged.
i-^.;T§rrrs Records.]
:r^ >e:r f. Ix sayv^ 1: lie Ttntira nf xx!or HcK^tonof Lancas-
1-- .i if :ra«-*c -y." 1^ TetiTTiisr :e r-i^i idt 'us f:<cizzrse3>ents mentioned
zi. 2*s re-ii:«i : ■ in* ixsmrrs :r itk iias Tr^Esarsr . - . .his oune rate
s.-TTi-H-y- Tir — six :i:icii2? "i: mt r:M2c^ xiinf zacnuizced-
\ ViBtria-'-Trsni Records.]
:f"^' r»n :r Tr^s r.iar: nsiur iisi j. ii ei r^" "^ -mra^ mder the hand
:c CiTc I.'iijiil H isriSTr^u. rr*;.: ▼T«a: "as "rs* ™n ir ibe service of the
riiLai— :.: I-L.T»ci*'rir . int; r;ai x-.::im:ii 1: 7r.r.i:f *** nf ax oxc for a sup-
:»"■ :r ir»i i:rr:*a' ■■nris* r.s r,"iru-ii:. ¥-r;i:-j slu ms was ralJoed. by indiff-
im: :iirs:in*w ii ?•:»* :oLDi> .i r-uirr"" :»'. :tL i Txiror-n made in behalfe
;»■ -w :il;:i:' ic id; :.::f :ir-r H.iac-'ri:.. .: :* nrasrtc. ihal the Tresurer
:r' iri; J :•:.:—; rriis :u.inrr: :,- uu 5ii.c r^nacti:*ii for the sajd oxe
a^v-rird::^: ;
acbusezs Records.]
r"-: r«r: :i "r irs^-v--- "rr ttw .-uTimt .1: Lzwrenct Waters of Lan-
.-i.>:r- riLTT^ri ■ ri:s»:-:nf ::« ;iv:i;r x rns^ r,*ur^ 11 orjer the |Ki}'nient of
r.:> arr:»::: 'j- ttv: r f.-inv." .r r.s .>:■:' X-^r .v:K"^a nnxmc^ ioeieen shillings &
i.w :*i'.rc. n- :ni'^i,^.-». :s. r'^ir T-:rT t-.-itt iitt r*-mi.m, his rate of fort v
:v : sr.!l:.r.^ :»:■. i:i .tt^ry^Ti*:. :r»r rt;.i^n-rs Tri'. >t rMii him, being aged
,'- :.: ^: .«:. : s- :i-.ii-'tv :m: :m T-^rs^irx*' Tz^^t r-Lvmeiii to the pcticoncr
r«; s;:~v :.:».-»:.« rn:r ri.-i^-r. .r.x:'.i?: :r.ii ;" :: s ^eJMipng to the old
" n;.: .^r^-'*;':. .:. r.ss Ar-%-u;r.: int: te lutfssc it to the new
^» 1 *•»-
jNisssachuseRs Records.]
■•"^ *c- z: Thf ^\-ui-; ,•*! ^rr'v *■». w.03r»» VThsekre bill, of Laocas-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1715. ng
tcr of disbursements, signed by the coniittee for y" Counlry, doe order &
grant her payment from the Tresurer of siie pounds nine shillings & eight
[Massachusetls Recordi.]
1678. November 33. Dyed Mr Joseph Rowlandson the worthy &
faithful I'aslnr of Weathersfield about y' 47 year of his age, He dyed
Suddenly & his death was much Lamented & there wa^ C^^' cause, espec.
at this time v" God is calling home his Embassaders apace besides others
to pour of his Displeasure vpon y* Country.
[Bradstreel's Journal.]
Reverend Joseph Rowlandson had been called to Weth-
ersfield, Connecticut, as colleague to the Reverend Gershom
Bulkeley, in April. 1677. November 24, 1678, is usually
given as the date of his death.
Among the Shattuck Manuscripts of the New England
Historic, Genealogical Society is the report of a Committee
dated Cambridge, 28 : i" 1676, appointed to propose means
for the security of the frontier towns. It was therein rec-
ommended ;
That such townes as Lankester, groaten & marlborough that are forced
10 remoue ; and haue not some aduantage of settlement (peculiar) in y*
bay, be ordered lo settle at y" frontire townes that remain for their
sireogihening ; and }■• people of y" said townes to which ihey are appointed
are to see to their accomodations, in y° s* townes.
Few of the Lancaster refugees but had relatives or
friends in the lower towns, and in their banishment they
became widely scattered. Most of them, however, longed
to return to their dearly bought lands on the Nashaway,
and those who had found temporary resting places in
Sudbury and Concord may Jiave visited the ashes of their
liomes from lime to time. So soon as their savage enemies
had been subjugated, they moved to the resettlement, and
as at first, sturdy John Prescottled the van.
1679. To the honored County Co'i sitting at Cambridge October 7. 1679
Ye humble petition of those whose names are here voderwritten y*
Inhabitants of Lancaster before o' rem ouall from thence by reason of y*
late wanes, in o^ owne & others behalfe, y pprielors of y* said place as
foltoweth. Whereas there was aa order tna.de the Last hono'ed ^neral)
Co'i y* places deserted should not be againe Inhabited, till the people lirst
make application vnto the Gouno' & Council, or to the County Co^-w^^n f
whose Jurisdiction they be. for a comiitee to order matters coaceiniog )
place, as in the said Law is expressed, wee yo" petitioners w"* diuers oth^
era purposing (if y* Lord please) to rctume to Lancaster ftoni whencv w
bane beene scattered, doc humbly request this Co<t that they will be pleased'l
to nominate & appoint an able & discreet Comittee Ibr that end. who mayl
w* all conuenieni speed attend the said Buisnes that soe wee may pceedl
to settle the place w''^ comfort & encouragement & yo' pclittoners shallW
pray for ihe l^ords gracious psence w''' you in all yo' Admtntstracons
[Added in another Aaad.l John Prescot Senior
And the persones which we vnderfivril] John .Moke
doe nomenat if this honered Court se caus
to aproue of them is Decon Ward o(
Marelborogh, leutcnant halncs of Sutbery
and cornit Woodes of Concord.
[ Eitdorsement , ]
7:8:79. In
Court do
to be a Ci
Thomas Sawver Sencr
John Ritgg
John- PresCOTt Juner
JoKATH Prescott *
Thomas Wo-der
Thomas Saver Juner
JOSIAH WfllET
isw' to y* motion of y' within named subscribers, tliel
Capt. Prentice, Deacon Stone, & Corporall W* Botidv
to settle y* rebuilding of Lanchaster as the order of]
Court provides. Capt Prentice to appoynt y
all persons concerned accordingly to altend-
& place of meeting Stu
[Middl«ici Couii Kik*.]
The action of this Committee seems not to have been 1
made matter of record. Lancaster had inhabitants and |
recorded births, in both 1679 and 1680.
(681. To tlu Honoured geturall Court how siting at B-utoit our /Jpn-\
oured Gouernor, deputie /;ouernor Assistants and deputies.
The petition of the poore Inhabitants of Lancaster humbly Sheweth. I
That whereas your poore petitioners by the late Indian warr were inuctil
Ruined, our houses and other buildings and fences burned, and most ofl
our substance wasted and som of our Children aiaine and sora caried h
Captiuity by the cniniy and som neuer Returned, and we with the Kestfl
forced to fly for our liues and to Icauc our places of lining to seeke shdtcrfl
in other lownes where we could, A nd haue gone through many straits andfl
dificulties vpon that acounl. soe that few lownes in the cuntrie haue suf'^
ered the like. And now through the good hand of god about [7 1
families haue againe Returned with a dc-slre to build the plantation ag»ine1
and through many diticulties. by Rcson of our pouertic, are about buildinga
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 121
and fencing that soe they may provid bread for their families, and not be
troublesom and burdensom to other townes which of nesesitie must haue
bene If we had .Continued where we were, and this yeare the honoured
tresurer sent his warant for aCuntrie Rate, And tho it be but a litle, yet to
our greife we must say we are not able to pay it. Theirefore your poore
petitioners humbly Craue this Honoured Court to Remit this Rate and
grant an exemption from Cuntrie Rats for the future for som years, soe
many as this Honoured Court may Judge meet. And in soe doing you
will oblige your poore petitioners as in dutie we are bound for euer to pray
for a blessing vpon all the Concerns of this Honoured Court.
This petition by a generall voice and voate of all the inhabitants was
desired to be drawne subscribed and presented By me.
Ralph Houghton
The magists Judge meet to grant y* petitioners exemption from Coun-
try Rates for this yeare & the next, their bretheren the deputyes hereto
consenting.
Edward Rawson Secretary
I7**» ffeb' 1681. Consented to by the deputies
William Torrey Cleric
[Massachusetts Archives, cxii, 330.]
1681 Dec 20, The Deposition of Tho : Wilder aged yj years sworn,
sayth that being with Jno Prescott Sen' About six houers before he died
he y* sd Jno : Prescott gaue to his eldest sonn Jno : Prescott his house lott
with all belonging to y* same & y'^ two mills, corn mill & saw mill with y«
land belonging therto & three scor Acors of land nere South medow &
fourty Acors of land nere Wonchesix & a pece of entervile called Johns
Jump & Bridge medow on both sids y*^ Brook. Cyprian Steevens Testi-
fieth to all y* truth Above writen.
Sworn in Court. J. R c
[Middlesex Court Files.]
Upon y« 7"» of April 1683 Lancaster.
A Jury of Inquest was Caled to giue in their virdict concerning y* vn-
timely death of John Whitcomb, we whose names are vnderwriten doe by
what we vnderstand by y*' brother of y* deceased by name Jonathan Whit-
comb and one more by name George huse who was standing on y*" shore
and saw how y* said John Whitcomb felle into y* water, do here vnani-
mously giue in our virdict thus, that y* sd John Whitcomb and Jonathan
Whitcomb being bringing some hay ouer y<^ riuer vpon two canooes in-
deavoring to pull them ouer by a rope which was fastned to a bough at y^
riuer side, but y* cannooes sinking y^ said John Whitcomh falling into y^
122 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
riuer was by a proukleoce of god drownded in pennecok riuer y* 7 1
this instant Aprill.
John More Sen' Joseph Waters
Thomas Sawyer Senr John Beaman
John Rugg James Snow
Thomas Sawyer Jun** James Houghton
JosiAH White John Houghton J
Danill Hudson
John Moor Sen ffbreman & the rest of the subscribers the Jur^"^
Inquest vpon the vn timely death of John Whetcomb late of fancms^
appeared before me Pet : Bulkeley Assist, & made oath that the premi
contain a true Acco of the cause of the death of sd Whetcomb accordfi
to their judgmt & consaence
June 18 1683 Pet Bulkeley Assist
[Middlesex Court Files.]
Lancastr May y* 28 1684. The Towne being mett together vpon
adjomment of y* publique meeting. The towne made choyse of Josiah
White and gave him order to gather in all y* Raits Due from al y* live out
of towne to y* meeting house & ministry in this last years Ratts, this was
Confirmed by a voat of y* towne
of
ss. d lbs ts d
Henry Kemball to y* meetinge house — 00- 03 -03 & 1-06-04 in pay
Thomas Swift to y* meetinge house — 00-01-04& o-ii-oo
Stephen Waters to y« meednge house — 00-00-10& 0-06-08.
minister
s
Edmond parker to y* meetinge house — 00 - 01 - 03 & o - 10 - 04. o-i i- o
Archelos Corser to y* meetinge house — 00-00-04& 0-03-08 0-8- 4
Daniell gains to y* meednge house — 00-00-08& 0-05-04 0-8 o
Simon & Thomas gatts 00- 03- 03 & 1-06-00
A dm' Major Willard 00 - 05 - 02 & 2-01-04
Mr Robinson 00-01 -01 & 0-08-04
for William Lewese 00-03- 03 & 1-06-04 0-16- o
John Lewes 00-00-08& 0-05-01 0-16-0
Christopher Lewes 00-00-06& 0-04-00
for Mordeca Mukload 00-00. 08& 0-05-04 0-5- 6
for John Divole 00-01 -00& 0-08-04
Thomas hares 00 - 00- 08 & 0-05-000-10-0
Jeremiah Rogers 00-02- 11 & i -03-04 0-19-10
Jonas fairbank 00 - 02- 02 & 1-17-04
George Adams 00-00-08& 0-05-00
for ben allin 00-00-05 & 0-03-08 0-4- 6
Lauranc Waters 00 - 02- 07 & i-.o-io 1-17- o
By order of y« Towne. John houghton
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725.
123
n'o the Hono^^* Gcnerall Court assembled in Boston the lo'* Septemb^, 1684.
Josiah White, in behalfe of the Town of Lancaster, now vpon a re-
itlement, humbly Prayeth this Hono**'^' Courts order (if it may sceme
I,) for the confirmation and strengthening of the vote passed by the
^Town as aboue written. That all those who are Proprietors of Lands lying
-^.vithin sd Town although not dwellers there, may be assessed in propor-
d: ion to y* value of their Estates as the Inhabitants are, towards the erect-
^ xig of a meeting house, maintenance of a minister & other piiblique
:harges, the rate for this yeare being made as aboue : And that you
ilease to order the levying of the same.
The magists haue voted that In answer to the Request of the present
iihabitants resident at Lancaster, this court doth order that all psons or
Eicir heirs executors or administrators that are propriters of lands there
eing grants of that townc. shall pay their proportion to a town Rate, for
iBPecting a meeting house, & mainteynance of A minster in y^ towne
^cording as other, the inhabitants y* are p''sent thcr do pay for the same
of lands.
The magists haue past this their Brethren the deputyes hereto consent-
ig 15 September 1684. Edward Rawson Secretary
Consented hereto by y** Deputies, prouidcd that all persons & estates,
s assessed by a due proportion to said Rates
L Hammond / order,
[Massachusetts Archives, cxii, 366.]
We must rely upon so late an authority as Reverend
Timothy Harrington for the information that, ** after the
resettlement, divers gentlemen for the space of seven years
supplied the pulpit." He names in a note "Mr. Carter,
Mr. Wooddrofte, and Mr. Oakes." The last was perhaps
Edward Oakes who was graduated at Harvard college in
1679. William Woodrop was a non-conformist deprived
of his benefice in England, A. D. 1662. Samuel Carter,
graduate at Harvard, 1660, was the son of Reverend
Thomas Carter of Woburn, and a teacher there. He mar-
ried Eunice Brooks in 1672. In 1688 Henry Kerley deeds
his lands on George Hill to him, but he may have been
resident here at an earlier day. In 1692 he was settled in
Groton, and died there in 1693, aged fifty-three, leaving
four sons and three daughters, whose numerous descend-
ants figure prominently in the town's history.
124 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
1684. Henry Kerly, heretofore leiftennt at Lancaster, now remooved,
& marrjed at Marlborow, is appointed ensigne to the trajne band there in
y roome of his brother, deceased there.
[Massachusetts Records.]
1688. Josiah VVhetcomb is allowed 20 shillings to be paid by the
County for killing one growne wolfe in y*" Towne of Lancaster.
Nathaniel Wilder is allowed forty shillings to be paid by the County for
killing two growne wolves in the Towne of Lancaster.
John Womsquam Indian is allowed ten shillings to be paid by the
County for killing one growne wolfe in the Towne of Lancaster.
[Middlesex Records. Court of Sessions.]
A law of 1653 established a bounty of 30 shillings for
ejich wolf killed by a white man, 20 shillings if killed by
an Indian ; the county treasury refunding 10 shillings of
this amount to the town in either case. For one hundred
years this law was little modified except by an increase in
bounty, though after 1718 the Indian hunter was placed on
an equality with the Englishman. For whelps and cubs
the premium was commonly half that paid for full grown
beasts. The head of the animal whether wolf, wild cat,
catamount, or bear, had to be brought to the local consta-
ble, who cut ofT the ears and buried them to guard against
fraud.
. . ^ii^^.>^.&
LANCASTER DURING KING WILLIAM'S
WAR. 1689-1697.
The deep scars left by Philip's war had not disappeared
before the outlying towns of New England were again
menaced with the horrors of savage warfare. Among the
New York colonial Manuscripts is a letter from Capt.
Francis Nicholson, of which the following is an extract ;
Boston August the jr' i683,
Soe next day I went through <Jrolon and Lanc.-isier where
the people were very much afraid (being out town!;) bult 1 told them as I
did other places that they should noti be soe much ca.st down, for that
they had the happioesse of being subjects of a victorious King who could
protect them from all their enemies. . . .
Lancast" y y' of July : 1689.
Whereas we y' Inhabitant'; of sd Lancaster being under som fears of
t>eing surprissed by y" Indians we being by forenier experience sencsible
of the ire tnallice and crueltie : and being at present destitute of any
officers in power to order y' millitary afalrs of y towne they doe mutually
Nominate Mr Thoma.s Wilder for a Leauten' and sergeant John Moore to
be ensigne and doe hereby adress our stiues to our hon'ed Counclll for
allowance and confirmation of y same.
By order of y* Towne John Houofitdn C/i't
The above nomination of officers are allowed in Iheir Re.sijective offices
by the Representatives July: 5' 1689
Attest Ebenrzer Proit C/^ri
Consented to by the Governor and CouncilE.
I"* AnniNCTON S,-cry
(Massnchuseiu Archives, cvn, 171.]
•689 3^ July. An Order was despatcht to Cap™- Tho I'renies rallying
his Troop this day at Cambridge to send out two ]jarty.s of twenty each
out of his Troop well appointed w'!" armes and AiTiunition, one party for
126 .*>VA1.S :? l.iJ>»-r.\iTER.
I---^*-i ■: i^'- ,' ".'V.ftr •':r lizi^L---^ r>r :i.t r<*l:e"e and succor of thos
pliiis. *-- ic.:--: i^i:!:*: •_:•* *i;ail«« :c zzont Trir-zi aid other places adjacenl
:i ».ic:.-?r izo :i:«r-»» d:e i.::enj^ -rcdic. 3:1c u> take surprise orde-
i--:;. '.r.^rr. u -*ey 3-1. •a.T* :«:»:crt:iz:TT.
'\Uasai:^.-:aeTS Archives. LXXXl.]
Lancaster May 6 1689.
T-e I-i^Jti-iz.:?* k sc Ij-m^ar ^e^doj toother according to ad —
-.-iiie f":~ y *-..:■ -"■^: C:iisihll zrz"*^ 1: E^^szcc May 2*^ 1689 ^^e accordingly^. ' ^
ch--5e i It: '_•:■■-» Mr R-L-c Hoc;£h:oc ro serae vith v* Council! on v" '•^•^
T j*-e5 :e>-il">* i> .:«:ci*:.;r. *rLiZ Rcjuir*, w^ich was confirmed by a Toate '^^ ^ -*
c: j" Tj»-e:
35 artess jOHX hol'GHTON Timme Cier
r--" T^e Tjwzsis desire iic expecndoa is that our hon'd Gou' and
A>5i5ii-i< i:--i: were elec-tc :_. ±e are men of this coUoney, in May
I tin or so =ii-> ::' thez: is ~y y siic hon'i gou' and Company shall be
]'^ci:tc, "znttit :: metier w:± ihe Deicde* rhat shall be sent downe from
}" 5«-eriII Resce'jii-c Towzes sSiT Reass;:me and exercise y* gouern-
riea: i> a ^e::"- Jjvirt acconiiz^ :o ocr Charter for the ycare Insuing or
untill ia: oniers fro-r. hU *:iLca*es y* Fnnce of Orange appeare for the
setientien: of -y^' a£i;n», w jiic*- wx* dei:lire\i bv a voate of the Towne :
as anests John hol'Ghton Towm CUr
Wednesday. Dec. 3, 1690.
A church is giiherec Sl Wt John \\~hiung ordained Minister at Lan-
caster. y\T San:: Whitiog gives hini his Charge. Mr Estabrooks gives the
Right hj.nd of Fellowship : N[r Briosraiead and others there.
[DsiTT <rf Samuel Sewall, I. 337.]
John Whiting was the second son of Reverend Samuel
Whiting, minister of Billerica for rift\--five years- He was,
when ordained here, twenty-six years of age, having been
graduated at Har\ard college in 16S5- His wife was
Alice Cook oi Cambridge- Timothy Whiting, the head
n\ the family that came to Lancaster from Billerica nearly
a century later, was the direct descendant of Oliver, the
brot!ier of Reverend John ^\^liting. According to Rever-
end Timothy Harrington, " In Feb., 16S8, Mr- John Whit-
ini: was invited to preach on probation." Joseph Willard
Em^.. tn»m some original source not now accessible, quote
the addidonal intormadon that at the same date the tow
voted to build a parsonage to be paid for :
I
I
one eighth in moiiey ; the rest, one half in work, and one half in corn.
^^gt. Indian, one third, and English two thirds, at country price, or other
^.y«<rc ban table pay At a town meeting Jan. 3. 1690. agreed
r^Z^ make conveyance to Mr Whiting of the liouseand land formerly granted
town. And the town the tame time went out of the house, and
Mr John Whiting possession thereof in behalfe of the whole above
n, formerly granted by the town.
[HLsl
'.63-]
^piil 7. 1692, Jonalhan Prescott of Concord conveyed
^:3ii-ce of intiTvale land "on y" west side of North River
^^.^r to y' bridge in y County Road" (Atherton's) to the
p-%/^n^, acknowledging this consideration :
.F"romoting the ministrie of the Gospel in y* Town of Lancaster, De-
^-^ «-»£ & Endevoring the settlement of Mr John Whiting Pastor There by
^^,^gi«rging His accoinodations There in s"" Lancaster. & S/, p' by John
j^^ QW-^ Sen' Thomas Wilder & John Houghti
^f I.j»ncaslcr.
[Micl<
of Inhabitants
Regisliy-l
X^90. Lancaster was represented among the sufferers
\f^ Sir William Phips' mismanaged and disastrous expe-
J,iti«>n against Canada. Endorsed on a list of Phips' cap-
iztins. in Massachusetts Arcliives. xxxvi, 13.^, is " Lt.
WUlard of Lanchasler" [Benjamin], and the names of five
, .Idiers are known from a petition of their heirs, in 1738,
.r land grants, viz:
Joseph Atherton. John Pope,
Jonathan Fairbank, Samuel Wheeler,
Timothy Wheelock.
idqo. Ti> thi lion'^ Lift Count' &• CouHitll of Massacku"' Prm/mee
Ntw HiiglaHd, Grace Mtrcy Sf peace be muUiplitd to j" ■worthy
Oentliii'' of y Asstmblty.
The humble Petition of Cyprian Steevens humbly she we th that being
Camublf ia year i69o[i that yeare sevrall psons moued some to Canady
\^ oihci ports Sl no estate to be found, my Humble Request is that yo'
UMi'"ill Consider yor Peiilin' that he may not pay out of his own Kstate.
to Ibl w' was other men's dues. Yor Pelitin' also Relating to his office
to JKW has been a great suffrer, haueing two Ratts 10 colect namely
l*Wl|r Rails w'l' was Grsine. Sl two & a halfe money, ihe scarcity of y"
Onilol haueing the other, y* Loss in a great meashur became y* Con-
^1 - 1 ■
128 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
stabl\ now yo'" petition' humbley Craues yo"" Hon" favour that you will
please to Graunt him a clearence from Mr Tayler Treasur' so shall he be
oblidged to pray for yor Hon's peace & prsprty
Yo' supleant serv* Cyprian Steevens
Lancaster June 4th, 1695.
A List of y* names of those p'sons that moued from y* Town of Lan-
caster of w**» sum are Dead, in y* yeare 1690.
Also y* Loss of 16 wolues by a mistake of Major Phillipses Qarke
Emp' Joseph Watters, 18 **
Cyprian Steevens 17
I "15
i4
Cyprian Steevens
7-
3
Will- Huttson
4-
3
Sam° Wheeler
4-
1
BenjamiQ Willard
4-
4
Joseph Watters
6-
6
Nath° Harwood
3-
10
Sam' Sumner
5-
4
Arthur Tooker
4-
I
.. 19 »
.7
•
A true A count as A tests
Cyprian Steevens
Constable far Lancaster
We whose names are vnder written do Atest to y* mouall or death of
)•• p'sons Aboue written & wer in sd Constables Rates in y* yeare 1690
John Moore Sen"" 1 e / * /■ -r
\ , ^ r Selectmen for y. Town
JosiAH Whitt Sen*^ > j -"
John Moore Jun' ) ^^ Lancaster
June Sf 1695 Read in the house of Representatives.
\Endorsed.'\ June 8th : 1695. The Selectmen of the town of Lancaster
haueing sent under their hands to excuse the Constable, severall being
dead & Remooved that the Rate was laid on Voted — that it is due from
the Townc and that the Selectmen Assess the said Town for said Summ
W Bond Speaker
[Massachusetts Archives, Cl, 33.]
1691. Simon Davis & Ensign Humphrey Barrett of Concord, John
Howton & Nath" Wilder of Lancaster & Boaz Brown & Thomas Williams
of Stow, are by this Court appointed a Coiriittee to lay out a conveniens
high way from Concord according to Law, for theire direction in the mat-
ter, and to make theire ref>ort to y* next Inferior Court for y* County of
Midd^
[Middlesex Court Records.]
(]eorge Nube being called into Court to Answer for horrid wickedness
and profancness laid to his charge he appearing & ye witnesses sworn y*
case was committed to y* (irand Jury.
George Nube of Lancaster being Indicted by Grand Jury for high
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 129
handed contempt of God's Word, Reproaches of y' ministers & calling
them liars Drunkards and VVhoremasters, and for a practice of high
handed Debauching as by his own confession & profane neglect of Gods
Publick worship on y* Lords daies, & Appearing before y' Court to make
answer thereto dos stand Legally Convicted thereof: Is sentenced to be
severely whipt on his naked body twenty stripes & to give bond in 20j£
for his good abearance & appearance y" next Court to be held for their
Afajties in Cambridge & to stand committed till this sentence be performed
«& to pay costs.
The documents in the case of Lancaster vs. George
J^fevvby are quite voluminous, including two piously peni-
tent petitions of the culprit, praying to escape the whipping
jDOSt. Much of the evidence is unfit for print. The accu-
ssation of the town fathers was as follows :
■
The Declaration of J no Moore Sen^ Against George Newby Humbly
Sheweth to this Honer*^ Court, this sd Newby since he came to ou"" Town,
he has endeav"^ to Pervert all thats Good and has been a Leader to all
maner of evill. Paying nothing to church nor state. Greatly wronging
most men that Deale with him, but that w^'' I most would signifie to yo'
Hon"* is sd Newbys most profainly spaking & sliting of that most worthy
Peice of worke the Asembly of divines, even the Catechism, sliting the
holy IJible & the Embasingers of Jesus Christ, saying that they were
Drunkerds, Lyers, & whoremners, with many other Gross Villineys which
Inlarges my heart to Petti tion yo"" Hon^ as you are our ffathers & soe wayt-
ing on you for support, that such a felow may be Removed from us Un-
der which Protection & Blessing our Little Israel here ih Lancaster may
be Ingaged to pray for yo' Hon*^ peace & prperity from your Humble servt.
[Middlesex Court Files.]
1692. The following letter from Maj. Thomas Ilinch-
man, at the time in command of all forces in this part of
the Province, gives a clear view of the unhappy condition
of Lancaster and her sister towns ; dail}' expecting inva-
sion by savage enemies and almost powerless for defence
against them, yet forbidden by a special act of legislature
from removing. The document is in Massachusetts Arch-
ives, xxxvii, 340 :
Afay it p/eas your Hofton,
Yd' advice of the 14*** Instant of j-* probable Advancing of y* Enemy
west*^ I haue Received & Render humble thanks for the same. Yo^ con-
130 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
cernednes for >-* security of these parts Intimated will quicken \'s to
speciall vigilancy & also Incorages mec earnestly to pray }•• sould" to y*
numb' of at least 60 may, (if yo' Hono'" sec meete) be speedily sent vp,
for without such a supply of men I cannot conceive how wee can be de-
fended in case of an Attack bv \* enemv : our men must work this suiner or
star\-e in winter, & y*^ hard labour in y* day renders }Tn verry vnfit to watch
ever}' 3 or 4 nights as many must do if they go to Garrison, & if they stay at
y*^ house they must expose to be made a sacrifice : 1 Hope }** Hon*^ Councill
will consider y* whereas y' are but 10 small towns in my Regiment 6 of y^
are frontiers & as for Sherbon I can procure no men fro y*", my ord" will
not be obey^ becaus y' is no militia setled. Among y™, & no settlement or
directions how I may procure sould'^ fro y* seuerall Towns, & also prov.
[/rt^vV/V»//j.] I hope y* Councill will also remember y* seuerall sould** in
this Regmt are sent Elastw^. O^ people groan vnder y* Burden they ly
vnder for want of sould^ fro >•* Bay parts. & >•". I Intreat o*" case may be
Considered as yo^ msdom shall direct & Compassion to vs shall Incline
you. All \-* Inhabitants of dunstable excepting 2 fimil^-s desire to draw
off, viz J no Sollendine & Thos Lun whose Garrisons are nere to each
other, these seem wiling to themselves with 10 or 12 sould'*. I desier
an ord*^ to Capt. i^rker for sum shott who hath a Quantity of y* Countr}'s
stock in his hand. I am advised \** Lancaster hunters haue lately seen a
copany of Indians near Wachusett v* number of y* is reported to be
about 300. yy report themselves to be Albanians. Senecas Maquas w^ y*
western or Connecticut Indians. This vnusual Confluence of so many
Indians makes many to suspect & fear a design agst vs. 1 doubt not but
v* Councill will satisfv themselves about it. The sould" y* I Desier will
be needed in Chelmsford. Groton & Lancaster. Thus H^ Gentlemen I
haue been bold to craue at yo*^ hands w'^ut y* least Intention to dictate
to my superiors but humbly to submit all to yo^ pleasure, & craue pdon of
my simplicity & plain nes. I am not capable at present of a personall
waiting vpo you, otherwise I could moce pticularly spread before you o'
nakedness & v* extream dan£::er of destruction v^ wee are in if not better
defended then at present wee are.
I am \^ Hon" Humble Servtt
Chelmsford. 12 April 1692. Tho HiNCHMAN
Of the murder of the Joslin family by Indians, July
iS, 1692, no contemporary mention is discovered. The
victims were :
Mrs. Hannah Whitcomb. widow of Jonathan.
Mrs. Sarah Joslin. wife of Peter.
Three young children of Peter Joslin.
. r
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 131
Captive,
Elizabeth Howe, sister of Mrs. Joslin.
Peter, son of Peter Joslin, aged 6 years ; killed shortly after.
April 17, 1701, a resolve was passed in General Court
allowing three pounds eighteen shillings to Mr. Thomas
Howe, " he haveing Paid so much for the Redemption of
Elizabeth Howe who was Captive to the Indians." She
returned from Canada in 1696, being then about twenty
jyears of age, and married Thomas Keyes Dec. 23, 1698.
J694. To his Excelencyy* Gour Sr Willm Phipps Kn* &c the Honrd Caun-
cill 6r* /Representatives conveaned at Boston : ffeb : 14'^; 1693 4.
The Humble Petition of Jno Houghton in behalfe of the Inhabitants
of y* Towne of Lancast' : Humbly Sheweth, That wheras y* sd Inhabi-
tants of Lancaster haue both formerly and of late been expossed to very
great troubles & charges by Reason of y* Long continued war with y* In-
dians : selierall persons being killed by them & others haueing Lost great
part of theire estate by them : & also by being so long Nessessitated to
liue in Garison where neither men nor women can doe but very litle
towards y' supply of theire familyes ; theire being so mutch time spent in
watching warding & many allarrums that haue been amongst us & that
which is more y* dayly feares we were expossed to in y* Dangers which
atended us in our labours, being for so long a time constrained to get our
bread with y* perill of our Hues : wherby many are brought to extreame
poverty, not knowing how to get either food or cloathing for themselues or
feimillys : also y* great charge expended in building Repairing & maintain-
ing so many Garissons : eight of which being allowed by order : y* charge of
sd Garissons being very considerable : also in y* midest of theese troubles
we haue beene at great charges in y* setlement of our towne : it being
wholly Destroyed y* last warr : & and yet we are in great feares notwith-
standing y* present peace we being so few in number & so unable to
defend ourselues.
You' Peti" Humble Request to yo' Hon" is that you would consider the
prmisses & Relieue sd Inhabitants by Granting them som considerable
allowance for y* charges expended in y* building & Repaireing sd Garis-
sons, acording as you*^ Hon" in wisdom and Justice shall see meet & heerby
your Pet' together with y* Rest of the Inhabitants of sd Lancaster shall
be the beter Incouraged to conflict with y* many Difibcaltyes we are Inci-
dent to & farther oblidged as in Duty bound euer to pray : &c :
Jno Houghton in behalfe
March 3^, 1693I4 of the Inhabitants of Lancast'
^ ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
In answer to the ibooe Petitioa A for the incouragment of the Inhab-
itants DC Luicasr. reterrin^ to their great charge in fortitiing themselues
in this Trocbiesome ticne the house of representatiues do vote that the
said Tovn be allcared them Tventy pounds out of y* next assesment &
sent ap to his er^y y Gooer Jk Couocill for theire Concurrance & Consent.
Nath : Bypield Speaker,
Oct^ 20* 1691- Vot* a Concurrance by the Council.
Is^ Addington Secret.
^Mjssach.3seta Anchrres. C. 4d6L]
1695. On a certain Sabbath of this year, the date of
which is not on record. Abraham Wheeler, when on his
way from the garrison to his own house, was mortally
wounded by an Indian Ipng in wait for him. It has been
stated that Wheeler lived upon Wataquadock. This loca-
tion of his home is proved an error by these items in the
inventory of his estate, presented in Middlesex Court, Nov.
6, 1695, by his widow Tabitha :
m
To House Lott 12 acres & houseing upon it.
To three acres of Intervale swamp ai y« Riuer by y* house.
[Middlesex Probate Files.]
1697. 12*^ May. HaiTah Dustan came to see us. . . . She saith her
Master, whom she killd, did formerly live with Mr Roulandson at Lan-
caster.
[Diary of Samuel Bewail, i. 453.]
Sabbath Sepf^ 12. We hear of the slaughter made at Lancaster yes-
terday.
Sept*^ 13. At Roxbur}- Mr Danforth tells me that Mr. Whiting, the
Minister, was dead and buried : Indians shot and scalped him about noon.
[Diary of Samuel Scwail, I, 459.]
May, 1697. In the latter end of this month* a woman the wife of Lief-
tcnant Willdcr disirode her self in a fit of mellancholly. She was in her
Life time esteemed a truly pious woman By them y* knew her.
Sept. 1697. On the Saturday following the Indians did a great deall of
mischief at Lancaster, they beset the towne about noon. Burned 10
houses, killed and captivated about 20 persons of which the chief was
the Reverend John Whiting pastor of >'* church of Christ there.
[John MurshaH's Di;ir\' in possession of the Massachusetts Historical Society.]
On September 11 a party of the enemy came upon the town of Lan-
caster then prepared for mischief by a wonderful security, and they
did no little mischief unto it. Near twenty were killed and among the
rest Mr John Whiting the pastor of the church there. Five were carried
^. rJfc
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 133
captives, two or three houses were burnt and several old people in them.
Capt. Brown with fifty men pursued them till the night stopped the pur-
suit, but it seems a strange dog or two unknown to the company did by
their barking alarum the enemy to rise in the night, and strip and scalp an
English captive woman and fly so far into the woods that after two days
bootless labour our men returned.
[Cotton Mather's Magualia, II, 639.]
In Massachusetts Archives, 11, 257, is a letter from Gov-
ernor William Stoughton to the Governor and Council of
Connecticut, from which this is an extract :
Boston Sept. 14, 1697.
Upon ye I if instant a party of Indians to y* number of
about Forty as was judged, about twelve o clock the same day. Surprized
and kild about 26 persons at Lancaster, of which the minister of the
Town was one, burnt two Garrison houses and two Barnes, the Garrisons
being left open and y* Inhabitants surprized in their Fields : there is a
party of men out in pursuit of y* Enemy
A List of Casualties September ii, 1697.
Killed,
Reverend John Whiting, aged 33.
Daniel Hudson.
Mrs. Joanna Hudson, wife of Daniel.
Two children of Nathaniel Hudson, grandchildren of Daniel.
John Scate, Skait or Skeath.
Mrs. Scate, wife of John
JVIrs. Hannah Rugg, widow of John, and daughter of John Prescott.
Joseph Rugg, son of Hannah, aged 29.
Airs. Rugg, wife of Joseph.
Tnree children of Joseph.
Jonathan Fairbank, aged 31.
<irace Fairbank, daughter of Jonathan.
[onas Fairbank, son of Jonathan,
^phraim Roper.
JMrs. Hannah Roper, second wife of Ephraim.
Xlizabeth Roper, daughter of Ephraim, aged 14. 19
Captives,
Joanna, daughter of Daniel Hudson, aged 37. Killed (?) in captivity.
Xllizabeth, daughter of Daniel Hudson, aged 39. do.
Airs. Mary Fairbank, wife of Jonathan, returned January, 1699.
^rs. Wheeler, Tabitha, widow of Abraham (?).
"*:■:
. > • . . • -.
V-ir^ G-i?c*r. rti^-zed .'iiLiiirr. izic^
Rev. Ti=>:ihv Harringt*:-:; in his Centurj^ Sermon in-
cludes i—.z^ rir c^pnired "2 s:«o c4 Joseph Rugg,"* which
:> rr.rirly in emr ::' gender, zs Hannah Rugg is the
--L™e ::' 2, L^incister priso-^r, 1699. Harrington also
r.i=:^> \m=^i-l -LUC EIliz.=be:h Hudson as killed. If killed,
:heir r^lirve? did r-M ki>:'W ie lact nearly three months
liter. i< "aill >: 5l:wr below.
Reverend J hn Wrirn^'s resdence was on the lawn of
:he Cc- F j.y et^Ciit, i few feet south c* the well which is
srll :• use. The b?-use sc&io until early in the present
vvm-iy . i r^±. b.rdered wt± i:ige button-wood trees lead-
^r.i -K^:-.- :r:e ~r: d:cr :: ±.e highway south. The inven-
ts r^ .'f r/s esci:^ 5un> .£^ri p*. a large amount in those
xl,;\^; ^r.d r:e irdcles rf h-c-usebclc rhrnhnrc indicate a
vici^xv ;f luxur.- in Irriu^ ouiDc unusual in Lancaster.
^^:i;•x':5J< A.:c= ^%~•:•'dn|: d>u>dess was much envied the
tv^^s^'^'xs.cr. . f *i TvLir :f Ble-ar Curtiiris i Vallens,'* valued
; C :.^\ — ' X >-lvrr jur i fiir>ne silver spoons 2£ io%" —
I >\ '^ v^,■:^ J>.i^rr> i i rl.aire great vhaires." The
^ Jvvv^' •'*rr^ ;ft>mi:ed wrrih 7-£ 14*- Twin children,
\ vv v\ y,c.''^.~ r.ixrlv rire* veir? o^d, died Mav ig,
\vV" . ^; 'd r\,r. c-; , i^d : yejr* survived the father but
twx^ 'N^*;"^ Ir, :%": :ie widcw narried Reverend Tim-
\
\«
lV;i' v': *:lu.*s.T.. JL rriviriiier icd bricklaj'er from
\\ ,i'A • ,0NV *. 'A,t,< .':,''r::-n^;^d Jir. iriirttisi :a i6(X|.. When he
\u ^*o * V w . ,v/ •. i^jL*^ >;:Vre >.:> ceaih, he was in pos-
nn Nv. - o .wv ",..sc l.rs ;f TAer.iy av"nes each, namel}' :
;Vx' ;o v^ ^Lv V .: -.-d VTirtjc-'s Hill, which last he pur-
v'\.;>nV. ' ;>^*o ,*, ^Li '^r >:=»:- WiHard- In short* he
v^\\iu\-. ;>.x^ ; ." , --d >vr.: r:; K,-T*lxroswi Garrison site to
M'.> \\a*vxvV':vr Tde exic: rccci^^s of his house is
136 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
side of the way. An item in the bill of the administrator,
Nathaniel Wilder, against Ephraim Roper's estate, was for
the fee ^ pd to Jonathan Prescott for curing one of y*^^
Daughters of y" said Dec*^ of a wound Received by y"^
Indians 7^, 97, ** but whether this was Ruth, aged 16, or
Bathsheba, the younger, is not intimated.
Cascoe Bay, y* 17 January 1698I9
The names of the Captiues Rec^ aboard the Province Gaily from the
Indians.
Mary ifarbankes of Lancaster
Mary Glasser of Lancaster
The names of the Captiues yett in the Indians hands.
Ephraim Ropper of Lancaster - Gon to Allbanie.
Hannah Rugg of Lancaster Gon to Allbanie
[Kfassachusetts Archives, LXX, 398.]
To the Hon^^' The U, Gvi*'^ Council and house of representatives in
Gen^^ Court assembled this 5'* of fune 1701.
The Petition of Capt' Thomas Brown humbly Shew* That yo' Pet^ in
the Month of Sept. 1697 when the Indians alarmed the Towne of Lancas-
ter, was coinanded by Maj' Tyng ^ith a Company of Solders to pursue
them, and in that pursuit and Expedition lost a very good horse of about
Tenn pounds value and never yet had any satisfaction for the same. Yo'
Petf hopes yo'' hon'* will consider the premises, and recompence yo*" pet' by
allowing him the value of his loss, purely sustain** in the Countreys service,
or w' oth*^ compensation ^o*^ hon'^ shall see meet ;
[Massiichusetts Archives, LXX, 527.]
1697. To the Rt. Honrable tfu Lieut Go7*r the Honed Councill ^ Repre-
sentatives Convened in Gen^all Assembly at Boston October 13 1697
The Humble Petition of John Houghton in behalfe of the Inhabitants
of the Towne, of Lancaster Humbly Showeth That fforasmuch as the
Righteous God hath permited the heathen Indian Enemyes to kill and de-
stroy many of our people in a cruell & barbarous maner both formerly and
lately to the great terror & amazement of those that survive & to our great
Loss & Dafhage & especially in having our minister taken away by such a
awfull stroke, we greatly feare we shall not prevaile with any to com &
setle with us in the work of the ministrey because of the present troubles
& also we being left few in number & brought very low by the long con-
tinued troubles, all which is Ready to cause us to dispaire of any Longer
Continuance in said Towne except we may have som encouragement &
Relieffe. Which moveth yo*^ petition"" Humbly to Request your hon''s to
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 137
consider our distressed condition & that our part of the tax last granted
may be Remitted there being so many of the persons on whome it was
levied & their estates destroyed & that we may be freed from paying taxes*
Whilest we Remaine under such troubles, & that if we may be p'"mited
through Gods goodnes to continue there for the future we pray that we
may have your hon's advise & help in the procuring & setlement of a min-
ister, without which we cannot at present of ourselves do it, & that we
may be supported with souldiers, for we are no long"" able of ourselves to
beare up under such a Wasting, & desolating War, all which being by
your Hon" considered, it is hoped you will se meet to grant our Request
as above which will greatly encourage said Inhabitants & yo"" petition' as
in duty bound shall pray &'™
John Houghton.
[EfidorsedJ] In y* House of Representatiues, Oct: 19: 1697 Rec<^.
Read y* 26^ Oct, 97. In y* house of Representatiues Voted. That for
encouraging & enabling y* said Towne to get a Minister: y* there be
Twenty pounds payd out of y* publick Treasury of this prouince to ye
minister y* shall' be procured to liue there for y* first year.
Sent up for Concurrance Penn Townsend Speaker
In Council. 26'?' Oct. 1697, Voted a concurrance
ISA Addington Secy
[Massachusetts Archives, xi, 125.]
1699, Dec 12. Josiah Whitcomb on behalfe of Lancaster Informed
the Court that they are provided w**^ sufficient pound & stocks and weights
and measures for which they stand presented for y* want of; the Court
accepting of his Information they are dismist he paying fees of Court.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
In a note to "A Century Sermon," Reverend Timothy
Harrington gives the names of three ministers who were
temporarily in Lancaster between 1697 and 1701. They
were : John Robinson, afterwards minister in Duxbury,
1 702-1 739, graduated at Harvard, 1695 ; Samuel Whitman
graduated at Harvard, 1696, and a Mr. Jones. Harring-
ton says : "Mr. Jones was invited to settle, but difficulties
arising, his Ordination was prevented, and he removed."
Joseph Willard, Esq., suggests that this may have been
John Jones, graduated at Harvard, 1690. If so, he was
never ordained elsewhere. Harrington adds : " In May
1701, Mr. Andrew Gardner Was invited to preach, and in
September following was invited to settle in the Ministry."
138
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
The following gives evidence thai Mr, Gardner was i
once placed in possession of his predecessor's house aoK
lands :
March 2i- 1701. Alice Whiting, "widow & Relict to the Rev(
Mr John Whiling late minister of the Gospell at y* Town of Lanca
in consideratioQ of sixty pounds in money paid, sold to —
Thomas Sawyer Juner and John Houghton Sen' and tp all and
ihe rest of the Inhabitants of said Lancaster .... my Dwelling '.
at said Lancaster with ten acres of upland adjoining to it \yiag
west aide of the River neer to s'< Thomas Sawyers house and bounded
northerly and southerly by two highwayes and westerly it comes to be lur-
row neer to a point and easterly it is bounded by a little common upland
that lyeih betwixt it and som medow of Thomas Sawyer Sen' .... also
about six acres of Inlerval Land more or less which said Inhabitants
formerly purchased of Lieul. Jonathan Prescolt; and is bounded by s^d
Sawyers medow west, Sam" Prescolts Land north, the highway south. aii{
at the eastward end it comes near to a point. All which house and
were formerly given by said Inhabitants of Lancaster to y* late revet
Mr John Whiting some time Pastor of y* Church ot.Chrbl there.
[Middlesei Regalry.
THE ADDITIONAL GRANT.
1702. Nov. 6. A Petition of the Town of Lancaster, Praying Liberty
to purchase of George Tahanto, Indian Sagamore, a Certain Tract of
Land lying adjoining to the West end of sd Township betwixt (hat, and
Wachuseis Hills was sent up from the Representatives with the orders of
that House in answer to the Same, That a committee be appointed by
this Court to go upon and take a view of the Land petitioned for and t
make their report to the next session of this Court. The Petitioners to_
defray the Charge of the said Commillee. Which Petltic
being read at the Hoard Ihe said Order was Concurred with : and C
Tyng Major Thos Browne and Capt James Minott, with such others^
the Representatives shall think fit to Name were appointed by this U
to be a Committee for the affair alToresaid.
[Massacbuselts Records.] 1
The land thus petitioned for, had been bought and bond-
ed more than a year before. The original petition has not
been found. A copy of the Bond made by John Houghton
is among the papers of Joseph Willard, Esq. ~
Know all men by these presents, that I, George Tahanto, Indian J
amore, for and in consideration of what money, namely, twelve pouoe
1
bertf
ct of
d by
Ord^H
CoIlM
"'1
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 139
was formerly paid to Sholan, my uncle, sometime sagamore of Nashuah»
for the purchase of said township, and also forty six shillings formerly
paid by Insigne John Moore and John Houghton of said Nashuah to
James Wiser, alias Quenepenett, now deceased, but especially for and in
consideration of eighteen pounds paid part, and the rest secured to be
paid, by John Houghton and Nathaniel Wilder, their heirs, executors and
assigns forever, a certain tract of land on the west side of the westward
line of Nashuah township, adjoining to said line, and butts southerly, for
the most part on Nashuah river, bearing westerly towards Wachusett
Hills, and runs northerly as far as Nashuah township, and which lands
and meadows, be it more or less, to be to the said Insigne John Moore,
John Houghton, and Nathaniel Wilder their heirs and assigns, to have
and to hold forever. And I the said George Tahanto, do hereby'
promise and engage to procure an order from the honored General
Court, for their allowance and confirmation of the sale of said lands as
aforesaid, and also that I will show and mark out the bounds of said land
in convenient time, not exceeding four months, and also to make such
deeds and conveyances, as may be necessary for the confirmation of the
premises, and that also I the said George Tahanto do by these presents
fully ratify and confirm, all & every, the said township of Nashuah alias
Lancaster to the inhabitants and proprietors thereof according as it was
formerly granted to them or their ancestors by my uncle Sholan, and laid
out to them by Ensign Thomas Noyes, and confirmed by the Hon. Gen-
eral Court. For the performance of all the abovesaid. I, the said George
Tahanto, have set my hand and seal, this twenty sixth day of June, in the
13th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord, William the Third over
England, &c. King, Anno Domini, 1701.
George Tahanto his mark
Mary Aunsocaumg her ) mark
Signed and sealed in presence of
JOHNWONSQUON his ) mark
John Aquitticus his I mark
Peter Puckataugh his R mark
Jonathan Wilder
John Guild.
No action seems to have been taken by this committee,
or by the general court until 171 1, and the bounds of the
grant were finally settled in 1721, under which dates fur-
ther records will be found.
1
LANCASTER DURING QUEEN ANNE'S
WAR. 1701-1713.
1703. TokUExulUfi ya$eph Dudley Esq' I Capl: G*Htral arndGoptrtwr
in Ckitf in and m'tr llu Pruvimu ef the Massachusetts Bay iit iVew
EKglanJ and t'ict Adaiirai of Iht same. The Htm^ltz ktr Majlies i
Couneit of Ikt sd Prm'tHtt, and Ta Ike HoofH' House of Rt^eantta-
trves convened in Geiural Assembly for the sd Province.
The Humble Petilioo of several of the ffreeholders Proprietors & In-
habitants of Laacostcr Hithin the sd Province, whose Dames are hereuato
subscribed, Sheweth— That io or about the year 1653. The lohahita.t)ts of
the sd 'I'own did agree amongst themselves to pay 10 and for the Use of
the Minister of the sd Town the sum of Ten shillinus a year in coniiider~
ation of [heir borne Loits. and if that should fall short of a maiDteoance,
then to make up the same by an equal Rale upon their Goods and other
Improved Lands in such way and order as the Country rale was raised.
Which way and method was equal so long as the Inhabitants of the sd
Town continued upon their home Latts. liut now so it is may it please
yo' Excell'^ : and Honors: That several of the sd Inhabitants are re-
moved from their home Lotts (which are left destitute & unimproved. &
thereby disenabled to pay any rate att all) to their second Diiision of
Lotti which pay no Rates, and the charge of the Maintenance of the sd
Minister wholly falls upon yo' Petitioners to their great wrong Sl damage,
and if not timely remedied by yo' KxcetK': & hon"*: will be a standing &
intolerable inconvenience & matter of Division in theyr Town, for thai
they are not able to bear the Charge thereof. And for as much as the sd
Town had never any settlement made by Law. but such an agicemeni as
above sd which is neither binding nor eqtral and whereas sd Town cannot
agree among themselves how (o raise their ministers sallary, yo' Petition-
ers Therefore humhiy pray That yo' Exeell" : & Honors will be pleased to
take the Premises into yo' serious Consideration: and setde the n
nance of the minister of the sd Town in such methods & wf
Excell<'> : and Honors, shall in yo' great wisdom seem to be most eqiul h
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 1^1
just & Right & which may be binding upon them & their posterity for
ever, and yo"" Petitioners as in diity bound will ever pray &*™
Benjamin Bellows Nathaniel Sawyer
John Johnson Joseph Wiielock
Joseph Glazear John Glazier
Simon Steevens George Gijvzier
Nathaniel Wilder Thomas Rosse
Peter Joslin Samuel Prescott
JosiAH White Ephraim Wilder
Samuell Bennett Nathaniel Hudson
William Divoll Samuel Carter
Jonathan Whitcomb Daniel Ruge
Cyprian Steevens
[Eftdors€d.'] In the House of Representatives, June 2*1 1703. Re-
solved, That inasmuch, as the Inhabitants of the Town of Lancaster
within mentioned were driven out by the Enemy, and the Place wholly
Deserted: Their former Agreement for the maintenance of their Minister
is now null and void, and they ought to Proceed to Levy their ministers
Rate upon their Inhabitants in equall Proportion as the Law Directs.
Sent up for concurrence. James Converse Speaker,
die predict. In Council Read and past a concurrance
IsA Adding^on Secty.
In the House of Representatives, Sept' 7. 1703.
Upon the Reading and Considering of the Petition on the other .side.
ordered. That the ministers .salary in the Town of Lancaster be Levyed,
and Collected of the .severall Inhabitants by the same Rules, and in the
same Proportions with the Province Tax ; for this pre.sent yeare.
§ent up for concurrence. James Converse Speaker.
[Massachusetts Archives, xi, 183-4,]
The foregoing petition marks the beginning of an im-
portant change in the growth of tlie town. In days of
peace the movement of increase had been steadily west-
ward, and even the bloody lesson of the massacre of 1676
had not availed to disturb the centre of population materi-
ally ; though a few families collected along the sunny side
of the Wataquadock range, and on the hills east of Still
River. But each succeeding Indian raid emphasized more
strongly thfe fact, that, in a military point of view, George
Hill was a very unsafe position. A retrograde movement
along the eastern highways took place, and, clustering
» -**^x
-v-^ -.irr.ili-r.^ shaped the
- -^ -V \-trt :: dt excised
■ ••> — — - ■• - .- .^m^ ^ 'J:' . t f fi : • ,§ '
•- ■ '. . J- .~ r *;■.■•;.*-:.* jrrj -^f her
:rr : — ;:.._ r-^r >:^— :!;. Sheweth. Thai
-..._ — .rrr^ : Zii: Ler-'^nr.in Willard
. -:.-.-..-,: .- .- ^i^ of his souldiers
■ii J— ■ - ■ .:-T. :=-;■. liri. :our of which
..:_ -.TiTT - ■ rY"c:i::::r. :o Wenepissi-
■-. : -"^- '''»...jsis order to his men
.: —:;:-.-? V:-r ; rictioner Oisburst
. ■ _--- ::r :r;ir,-:i^ of ihese, to >•* per-
Remainder. 4S: In
.. . . _ . ^
- '. v:.:: t. . :e aDoarent wrong:.
.: '. 7 "J V....: r.ive Taken care thev
rr : ■ : .- ■ -T -.:":rr:o never Received
-- •_- .-. r: 1.: :a f:.r y' foure paire first
— : ^'. V r. -: :>.-T. :ha: made them, but
■ ^ ._. -r=si- : *'.:'- :> greatly to theire
. • : — :t:-± 7.i~ri.ri Will proove a Greiv-
- - -t: : .--i rs :ha: your Excellency &
.- -..— c -:-:-- "-l: ;. : j- i^etetion"" may be paid
•. _ T -?'_ 1 _; ''or said Snow Shoose
■r ^ \ ..? -*-:i i._-.\et: amounts to v' sum of
- ■_: s ■ .•^"srzs concerned may be paid
'.: 1 : .' } =:c::oner as In Duty Bound
Joseph Wilder.
_ «
Read & Resolved That the
- ;,--. f' i-.r.^'i :c allowed & Paid out of the
r" :".f : c:i:ioner in full for the snow shoes
'»:■■._::.- :.-r.:-rrence.
John Burrell Speaker
:<,.;.; Jt J":r.:-.rr ISA Addington 5Vv/t.
1.'.
V
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725.
H3
Lancaster 7*»» Dec*" 1703.
To Sargent Joseph Wilder. You are here by ordered by vertu of an
order to me from his exc"J^ to teake care of y* solders now under my com-
and in I^ncaster and upon eny amurjences that eny towne be detrod by
y* enemy you murst command all under my command in groton and per-
sew after them according to your best understanding and keepe our solders
in good order til further order from me or other of your Seupeirior ofesers.
Your friend. Ben'^ Willard Capt,
and further you are here by ordered to prouide forthwith twenty pair of
snow shoes, fail not.
Your friend Beni^ Willard Capt,
\Endar5ed.'\ Roxbury. 24. Novy 1707.
The above order was present^ to mee this day, and I do allow it to be
in persuance of my orders to Captain Willard at the time.
J. Dudley.
(Massachusetts Archives, Lxxi, 378.I
Pursuant to comand from his Excellency bearing date April 15^* 1704
for the Settleing of Garrisons in y* Towne of Lancaster & ordering men
to y* Same, Wee the subscribers do hereby Direct & Coinand you y! In-
habitants of s<*: Lancaster to Repaire to you! Severall Garrisons according
to appointment as followeth & Attend you' Duties therein. Dat. 20^
April 1704.
on y* cast side of y* River '
John Moore A Jonathan
Moore
Allowed a Garrison y* said
■John Moore Coinander —
Jonathan Moore
Will" Sawyer
Joseph Sawyer
Josiah Wheeler
John Hinds
James Keyes
p'sons
2
I
I
I
I
2
I- 9
Josiah Whetcomb sen^ allowed a
Garrison himselfe Cofnander 2
Josiah Whetcomb Ju'
David Whetcomb
Hexekiah Whetcomb
Jacob Houghton
Henry Houghton
John Wilder Ju' i- 8
Bare Hill
John Priest Sen' —
John Priest Ju' —
John Warner —
Caleb Sawyer —
James Atherton S* —
James Atherton Ju' —
2
I
3
2
I
I-IO
Simon Willard & Benjamin
Bellows allowed a Garrison
said Simon Willard Coiriandf
Benjamin Bellows
John Willard
Joshua Atherton
Henry Willard
James Houghton
Joseph Hutchins
Joseph Waters
Hezekiah Willard
James Smith
-12
% \- t
V'^L> OF LANCASTER.
on y' west side Xashnway Ki\
M". Andrew Gardner Jc T'luy
Sawyer J u^ a Garison
Thomas Sawyer Comander —-
M" Gardner
Jabe/ Fairbank
Nath'. Sawyer
'xin Harriss
I^anicll Rugg
Frescott
'^ : "^^
- 9
a:y Come Mill
r r^<co:t Sen: i
A"..icr a liarison
3
I
I
I
J- 7
» . .V
-:■*:- ;•' "k r.'.r
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725- I45
1. Those in John Moore's garrison lived on the Marl-
borough road in the southeast part of Bolton, near the
district now called Fryville. The graves of the brothers
John and Jonathan Moore are in the burial ground on the
old road to Hudson.
2. Those composing the Whitcomb garrison lived also
in Bolton, toward the northeast corner. Families descend-
ed from them resided there until recently.
3. The Priest garrison was at the easterly side of Bare
Hill in Harvard.
4. The Josiah White garrison was upon the east side of
the Neck, where Edward Houghton now lives.
5. Those belonging to Peter Joslin's garrison lived
along the highway from the Sprague Bridge to the North
Village. "Ilervey" is an error for Hewes.
6. Those forming the Simon Willard garrison dwelt
ing the road through Still River village.
Capt. Thomas Wilder's garrison was on the Old
lOn north of the highway, and, according to Joseph
■d, Esquire, about twenty rods in rear of the house
rn as the Dr. David Steuart Robertson place.
The six men whose names are headed by that of
aliell Beman, had homes upon the east slope of Wata-
lock Hill. In the descriptions of their lands frequent
tinn is made of "the cold spring" and "the hill where
Simon Pipo had a planting field."
9. Reverend Andrew Gardner lived by the well a few ,
rods westerly from the house of the late Colonel Francis
B. Fay ; Samuel Prescott, across the road south ; Thomas
Sawyer, where his venerable descendant, Mrs. Sally Case,
resides; Nathaniel Sawyer and Jabez Fairbank, half a
mile westerly in the Deer's Horns neighborhood.
10. The Prescott garrison site is in Clinton, southeast
of and very near the crossing of High and Water streets.
w
II. Lteutenant Nathaniel WHder's home was upOD the
aJope of George HilK next his father's home lot. His
brother Ephratm lived near, and his brother-tn-law, Sam-
uel Carter, on the farm now owned by Frank D. Taylor.
Thomas Ross lived half a mile north oo the tirst lot of
John Smith.
Joly 30 1701. Sab. normag or Mondaj MO fi c g Indian innded Lan-
castcrKiBed 24x3 pereoDsborntj' UeetinghaBe and some oUKTboaMft.
OhkI sf Kenttnd Jota F^kx.]
This assault was made Monday, July 31SI, very early m
the morning. The casualties were : Lieutenant Nathaniel
Wilder, mortally wounded near his omi garrison ; he died
the same day. Abraham How, Benjamin Hutchins and
John Spalding, killed. The last was one of Captain
Tyng's soldiers; How and Hutchios were Marlborough
men.
On Monday morning past, the eDem7 French and Indians, fell upon
Lancaster, about four tiundreit of them, a&saolied six garrisans at once,
where the people defended themselves verj- well, until assistance came in
from all parts, by the govemors order, so that in the evening there were
three hundred men in the town. And the enemy was beaten off with loss,
but are yet hovering on the head of those to^rns. to make some further
impression, if nol prevented.
(Bonon News I^itr, Oeiobei 30. 1704.]
The account given by Samuel Penhnliowin his" History
of the Indian Wars," is most relied upon lor the details of
this affair. Reverend Timothy Harrington impugns the
accuracy of his statements respecting "the mischiefs done
in this town by the enemy," but he borrows most of his own
relation from that history, which is as follows :
The French in Canada were now forming another design on North
Hampton, of which wc had seasonable advice: .... Their whole body
was seven hundred, with (wo Friars, under the command of Monsieur
Boocore who in iheir march began to mutiny about the plunder thev had
in view, and expected to be master of. forgeuing the proverb about divid-
ing the sLtin before the bear wa.t killed. Their dissention at last was so
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 147
great, that upwards of two hundred returned in discontent. However the
rest came on, and sent scouts before to observe the posture of the English,
who reported that they were as thick as the trees in the woods. Upon
which their spirits failed, and more of their number deserted. They then
called a council of war, who resolved to desist from the enterprise. Yet
some staid, and afterwards fell on Lancaster and Groton, where they did
some spoil, but not what they expected for that these towns were season-
ably .strengthened. Capt. Tyng and Capt. How entertained a warm dis-
pute with them for some time, but being much inferior in number, were
forced to retreat with some loss : yet those that were slain of the enemy,
were more than thase of ours. One of them was an officer of some dis-
tinction which so exasperated their spirits that in revenge, they fired the
Meeting House, killed several cattle and burnt many outhouses
It was not then known how many of the enemy were slain it being cus-
tomary among them to carry off their dead ; however it was afterwards
affirmed, that they lost sixteen besides several that were wounded. . . .
[Penhallow's Indian Wars.]
To his ^xcellencie Joseph Dudley Esq*^^ Capt. Getter all and Governour In
Chief in and oifer Her Mjties province of the Massachusetts Bay in
New England 6r*c. and to the Honourable Her Majties Council and
Representatives in Great and Generall Court assembled. 9^f 8'* 1704.
The Petition of Thomas How of Marlburrah in the Behalf of himself
& Company. Humbly Sheweth, That Whereas, at the time that Lankes-
ter was assaulted by the french and Indian enemies, your petitioner and
company (to it) about thirty, did emediately Issue out, and were a
means vnder God, to preserue many persons Hues & estates, in sd Towne ;
with the loss of two men of said company, and defended sd Towne from
the Insults of so cruel and barbarous an enemy. And after w«*» There
was found on the Spot where seueral barns were burnt, the bones of Sun-
dry of the enemy y* were slain by your petitioners & company, besides
many more supposed to be wounded, w**^ the enemy drew off, and altho
your petitioner & company recouered no scalps, yet being very cleer and
plain (to it) of the enemies being slain as afore"*^, your petitioners ; do
Therefore pray that your Excellencies, & Honours would please to con-
sider the premises, and Grant them such Compensation as in your Wise-
dom shall seem mete &c. And yo' Petition' shall as in Duty, pray &*"
Thomas How for himself & Comp»
In th^ House of Representatives
NovT 8: 1704 Read. Resolved That the sum of Ten Pounds be
allowed, and Paid out of the publick Treasury to Capt" Thom. How, to
be eqnelly Distributed amongst the Petitioners, as a Token that this Court
Takes notice of, & well accepts, their good service, abovementioned.
Sent up for concurrence. James Converse Speaker
■48
In CouQCil. Nov. I
Read ziid pass'*
l&A Aduikgton Secry-
To /lis Exceilciuy Jotepk Dudley Etg : iVi^-.- 18: 1704.
The Humble Petition of Capi. William Tyng Sheweth. That just I)
fore the mischier was done at Lancaster, yo' Petitioner was in Bostoa. and
by hb Evccliency was ordered down forthwith to his Post, to go by Duo-
stable and thence to Lancaster, which ro' Petitioner accordingly did and
rode (hither upon his own Horse, which he turned into a pasture there,
and the next morning the Horse was by the Indians taken out of the sd
pasture & driven Into the woods, when they killed. and ate ihe sd Horse.
And Farther yo' petitioner Sheweth That one John Spalding who wa.<i a
soldier under bis command was killed in that action and his Gun taken by
the Indians, and he being a vety good soldier (tho a youth,) & the Gun
being his tfalhers who is very poor, yo' Petitioner therefore humbly prays
this great and General assembly to lake the premisses into Consideration
and that he may have such satislaction & recompence made him for Ihe
loss of his Horse, and the ffather of the young man for the loss of his
Gun as to this great & General Assembly shall seem meet, and yo' Peti-
tioner shall pray &c W? Tvng
{^Endorstd.\ In Ihe House of Representatives. Nov. 18: 1704. In
Answer to the Petition on the other side Resolved. That the sum of Four
Pounds be allowed and Paid out of the publick Treasury to Capt William
Tyng Ihe Petiiioner — A nd the sum of Twenty Shilltnga to John Spalding
father of John Spalding det'' mentioned in ihe Petition.
Seat up for concurrance .... James Conveksb Speaker
[M.iuacliusctis Arcliiva. lAKI, loj-^i]
Oct, 3$. 1704. Mr Andrew Gardner minister of Lancaster, coming
down from y* watchbox in y* night «"■ a darkish coloured gown was mis-
taken for an Indian & solemnly slain by a sorry souldier belonging to y*
Garrison nomine Preskel.
Qoiimal of Revccnd John Pike]
I now return to the westward, where, on the ss"" of October ihe ene-
my did some mischief. Lancaster was alarmed, and the alarm was 1
means of the unlimely death of the Rev. Mr Gardiner their worthy past
Several of Ihe inhabitants who belonged to the garrison, were wearied ,
by hard travelling the day before, in pursuit of the enemy. This caused
this good man out of pity and compassion to watch that nighl himself:
accordingly he went into the box which lay over the flanker, where he ^
staid till late in the night ; but being cold (as was supposed) he was co
ing down to warm himself, when one belween sleeping and waking, or -
surprised through excess of fear iired upon him as he was coming oul
MASSACHUSETTS. i6«- 1715.
149
Ihe watch house where no man could rationally expect the coming of an
enemy. Mr Gardner, although he was shot through the back came to the
door and bid them open it for he was wounded. No sooner did he enter,
bm he fainted away : As he came to himself, he asked who it was that
shot him. and when ihey told him, he prayed God lo forgive him, and for-
gave him himself, believing that he did it not on purpose; and with a
composed frame of spirit, desired ihem that bewailed him not to weep,
but pray for him and his flock. He comforted his sorrowful spouse, and
expired within an hour.
[Samuel Pmhallow's History of Ihfl Indiaji Wata.]
On WedHesilay nighl an Englishman was killed in the Woods at Gra-
Ion by the Indians, which were afterwards descryed in the night by the
Light of their Fires by a Person Travailing from Grolon to Lamaiter,
and judged they might be about Thirty in number; pursuit was made after
tbem but none could be found.
[Boston Mews Leiler, OelQbcr 30, 1704.]
From the diary of John Marshall, of Braintree, in the
library of the Massachusetts Historical Society, we learn
further thai the man "killed and scalped by the Indians,
belonged to the town of Groton, his name was davis: a
very usefiill ijfifl and much Lamented." This was proba-
bly"SamueI Davis, who married Mary Waters in Lancas-
ter, A. D. 1656, and lived here for a time.
On Thursday night the Reverend Mr Gardner Minister of Lancaster
was uofortunately shot by the Sentinel on the Watch, supposing him to
be an Indian climbing over the Walls of the Fortification: of which
wound he died in an hours space or little more.
[Boston News Letter, October 30, 1704.]
Bosfott. In our Numb. 38. As we then received it, we gave you the
Account of the Death of the Reverend Mr Gardner, Minister of Lancas-
ter : and having since had a perfect and exact Account of the same, from
Eye and Ear Witnesses : we thought it expedient lo insert it here, to pre-
vent various reports thereof: And is as follows — That a man being Killed
the day before between Groton and Lancaster, and the Indians having
been seen the night before nigh the Town, Mr. Gardner, (three of the
men belonging to his Garrison being gone out of Town, and two of the
remaining three being tyred with Watching and Travelling in the Woods
after the Indians that day,) beinga very careful as well as couragious man,
concluded to Watch that night himself; and accordingly went out into the
little Watch-house that was over one of the Flankers, and there stayed till
15°
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
late in the night ; whence a.nd when he was coming down, (as it
thought,) to warm him. The man that shot him, who was not long be-
fore sleeping by the fire, came out, and whether between sleeping and
waking, or surprized with an excess of fe^ir, lired upon him as be w;is
coming down out of the Watch-house, through a little Trap-door into the
Flanker, where no man having the exercise of his Reason could suHpeci
the coming of an Enemy, or suspect him to be so, when in a clear Moon-
light night he was nigh him. Mr Gardner (though his wound was in hU
breast, being shot through the Vitals) came to the door, bid them open
it, for he was wounded ; after he came in, he fainted away, but coming to
himself again, asked who it was that shot him, and when they told him,
he prayed God to forgive him, and forgave him himself for he believed he
did not do it on purpose ; and with a composed Christian frame of spirit
desired them that were bitterly lamenting over him, not to weep but tu
pray for him, and comforted his sorrowflil wife, telling her he was going
to Glory, advising her to follow him ; and in about an hour Dyed, leaving
his sorrowful friends to lament the loss of sn worthy and desirable a
Pers
rBpston News Lencr, NovemI
M704-]
The coroner's inquest entirely exonerated Samuel Pres-
cott. The verdict of the jury is probably somewhere
extant, but has escaped search. Joseph Willard, Esquire,
basing his stalements upon that document, tells us that
Prescott was the sentinel on duty, pacing his beat on the
parade, when, dimly seeing a supposed enemy coming out
of the upper Hanker, he challenged him twice. No re-
sponse being given, Ins suspicions were contirmed and he
fired. His neighbors declared him guiltless even of cart-
less haste ; but they could not lift from his life the self-im-
posed burden of bitter regret. His home was but a few
rods away, and he could not step from his door, or look out
from his windows, but his eyes encountered the scene of
that pitiful tragedy. He soon removed to Concord, selling
his pleasant home to Reverend John Prentice, Mr. Gard-
ner was the son of Captain Andrew and Sarah (Mason)
Gardner of Brookline, and a graduate of Harvard college
in 1696. He was in his thirtieth year, when his promising
life was cut short.
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1735.
151
To hu ExteUeacy. Joseph Dudley Esqr Captain Generall &- ColHander In
Chief e in &* in<er his Maj'' Province of y MassachuselU Bay In Newt
En^and frv; his Maj'' Honrablt CouncUl &■ ReprescKtatives Con-
vened /it Grnerali Assembly at Boston October 25 1704.
The Petition of y* Inhabitants of y* Towne of Lancaster in y* Province,
Humbly Sheweth That whereas yo' Petitioners the destressed Inhabitants
of said Lancaster being under y* Awfull Rebulces of (Jods hand In y' man-
ifest Token of his Displeasure ag-^instus. In p'mitting those Barbarous
Heathen to be such a Scourge to us whereby in y' Suiiier past we have
Sustained such Losses by Ihem that therby we are greatly Impoverished
and destressed & som of us almost Ruined as to our estates having little
or nothing left for our present Sustenance and much less able to Contribute
to Publique Charges, the Towne having lost severall hundreds of pounds
esiat by )■■ Indians in theire last attack together with y* loss of our meet-
ing houst being burnt by them, & more particularly that late awfull stroak
of Gods Hand y" Last weeke in y' Loss of our Reverend Minister who
was every way Worthy & desirable, whose Loss is Ready to sink our spir-
its, also we haveing been at great charge formerly in settteing y* ministry
& haveing one minister slaine by y' Intlians & now another Taken away
by a more awfull stroake we are still left destitute & have all againe to
procure which will be great charge & we feare with much dificulty all
which Layes us under an Inability of performing what is Required of us,
Reffering to our Publique Charges. The p'mjsses being considered by
your Excellency & Hon" with many other Reasons that might be alleadged
wc Humbly Crave that y* late Tax set and proportioned upon said Towne
being y° sum of eighty six pounds may be Remitted or such an abatement
thereof made & Granted to sd Town as yo' Excellency & Hon" Shall in
Wisdom see to be Reasonable & Just & such Protection and encourage-
ment afforded for y' future as may be necessary, & yo' Petitioners better
enabled to beare up under y many Difficultyes we are dayly exercised
with & ilurther obliged as in Duty bound ever lo pray : &c :
In behalfe of y'^ Inhabitants of Lancaster
Novb: y" 2'' 1704. John Houghton
Jonas Houghton
[^Endorsed. '\
In the House of Representatives Dec; 28: 1704.
Resolved. That the sum of Forty Pounds be allowed and Paid out of
the publick Treasury to the Town of Lancaster towards Building a Meet-
ing House as soon as they shall have Erected a frame for the same and
Paid the Taxes already laid upon them.
James Converse Speaker.
Id Council. 28. Dec'. 1704. Read and Concurred.
ISA ALDINGTON Stcry.
[Massacbuselts Arcliivea. CXILF, 363.I
191
153
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
1
To His ExcelUney yosepk Dudley Esq' Captain Geittrall fir* Comandtr im
Ckieffi Ss'c : In and ovtr her Afajts Province o/y MassackHsetts Bay,
in New England her AfaJ" Hoh'^abU CoundUh' Reprettntaihts of
sd Prcvince Convened In CeneraU AssembUy at Dosiom t Oeiaier :
jjrt
1704.
Wheras Wee the Subscribers having Lately Preffered a Petilion to your
Excellency And Hon" In behalfe of y' Inhabitanls of Lancaster, Id short
Representing The present destressed Condition of said Towne & on that
account Humbly Praying for y' Remission of y' laie Tax of eighty six
pounds sett upon sd Towne or for an abatement of y' same, & being since
Informed by Capt Tliomas How of Marieborough that you desire a more
particular Accompl of f lale Losses sustained by severall persons in said
Towne this \is,t Suiiier by Damage don by y° Indiajis we have accordingly
sent you an accompt thereof as followcih.
July y° 31'' 1704 y Indians beseit the Towne in scverall places & par-
ticularly Lieut Nath" Wilders Garrison wiierc early in y' morning one of
y* Indians shoti him In the thigh of which wound he dyed j-* same day,
& y Indians killed of his cattell six oxen five cowes 3 calves sixteen sheep
twelve swine & burnt his Barne & about la load of good Enghsli hay.
Of Ephraim Wilders one ox 2 calves 3 cowes one horse 15 sheep I
swine one good dwelling house with 2 Ares.
Jonathan Wilder two oxen one horse.
John Carter 3 oxen one cow one horse 3 swine.
Sam" Carter 3 oxen one cow one horse 2 calves 2 sivine one good
Dwelling house with 2 lircs,
Thomas Ross one cow 2 calves one swine one dwelling house with
one fire.
John Houghton Jun 3 swine one large dwelling house' with 3 fires,
belonging lo him & Phillip Goss & about sixteen pounds of Personall
estate belonging to sd Houghton burnt in sd house.
i
George Hewes two oxen 3 cows
Sam" Bennilt 3 oxen 2 cows.
Jonathan Whilcoinbe 2 sheep.
Simon Sleeve I
Jonas Houghton t
Jabez fiairbank or
Thomas Sawyer J
John Preist Jun o
AU which creatur.
them & many more
eOx.
new barne with about 3 loads of good English hay. !
heiifer.
were then killed by y* Indians Sc Housing burnt bjr '
wounded & Sevcrall Horses that cannot yet '
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
153
be found, though some of the men that have beeo out have found where
som horsses have been killed and Rosted, also those caltell are >'et pre-
served are in great hazard to be lost for want of Hay. especially many of
those on y' yeast side of y' River, for most of y" Inhabitants on y' side
have had but little or no help or protection in there Garisons but have
been necessitated to watch & ward a third part of their time at least,
besides Ranging the wood.s after when Rumours & Allarms have hapencd
$0 that neere halfe our time is spent in actuall service & when we are
about our own work we cannot keep to it, but lose a great part of what
we Labour for l>eing forced to get our bread with y' pril of our Lives
which hang in Doubt continually & but little peace day or night & many
of us have formerly been greatly Impoveiished by y" Indians, & see no
probability but if they can agame it will be so for the future, & having
lost our meeting house being now burnt by them this sufher which is a
Gcnerall loss, & also y* los of our iaic minister so that we are on all ac-
counts as new beginera, & under such discouraging circum.stances that our
spiritts are Ready to sink Si almost dispaire of subsisting another yeare'
except we may be under beter circumstances, but still under God Relying
on your favourable protection & Relieffe hoping fnr y* Remission of y*
said Tax prayed for in the afForsaid Petition, which if it be granted will
not Respond a sixth part of y loss & damage we have lately sustained.
So leaving j" Premisses to your favourable consideration wee Remaine.
Vour Excellencys & Hon" most Humble Servants to Coiiiand.
Thomas Wilder
November 15 1704. John Houghton Jr
Jonas Houghton.
(Massacbusciis Archives, cxiir, 365.]
7i> A>s ExxelUncy Joseph Dudley Esq' Governour, the Honorabk Council
andy HeprestHtatives siting in Boston June y Vf 1705
The humble petition of Mary Gardner of Lancaster humbly Sheweth
That whareas thare was yesterday an acounl laid before y" Court signed
by y* worshiphill Colonell Taller of money dew to me from y' country for
enlertaineing of souldiers & damage done by their horses who at coming
up to Lancaster when y attaque was made upon it by y"" enemy, who in a
hurry put theare horses in to a field of ry whareby an acre was imediately
destroyed, for which damage & entertainment of souldiers this honerable
hous saw cause to alow me but iifteene shillings when besides that, they
drank a barell of boyled Cyder & a barell of strong bear. Besides Mr
Gardner his going out Chaplin with y' army in that expedition after y
eaemy for all which we have Received nothing. Your humble petitioner
being a desolate widdow prayeth y' Justice may be done her & that she
may have Dew rccomepence for those things which y" country is more able
to bare them then herself who hath alwayes bin & is ready to undergoe
'.^•^1
154 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
any trouble laid upon her for y« service of y* country. Your Granting my
petition herein will Greatly obliege your Humble petMoner.
Mary Gardner.
In Council ; June. 29. 1705. Read & sent down
[Endorsed^]
In the House of Representatives June 29: 1705. Resolved That the
sum of Three Pounds, 4 shillings & six pence ; be Allowed & paid out of
the publick Treasury to Mary Gardner the Petitioner as a full Considera-
tion for the Petition on the other side :
Sent up for concurrence. Thomas Oakes Speaker
June, 29. 1705. In Council. Read & concurred.
IsA Addington Secy.
[Massachusetts Archives, LXXI, 157-8.]
1704I5. An Acompt of funeral Charges &c of John Brabrook a sool-
«der under y* comand of Capt. Will"™ Tyng, who Deceased March 31**
17045.
1 d
Imprimis To Dressing his lame leg &c — „ 12* o
To Nursing & Charges when sick — „ 6 „
To funeral Charg. viz graue clothes
& Drink — ,,18 „
To y« CofTen & Grave — ,, 10 „
"1 6
Ephraim Wilder
Joseph Wilder
[Massachusetts Archives, LXXI, 128.J
An acompt of funeral Charges : &c : of John Carter a souldier under
y« Comand of Capt. Willi Tyng who deceased March y* 26 170415 :
Imprimis, To two Jurneys to Concord for y* Doctor — o = 7 =
To one Jurney to Boston for things for said
Carter in his sickness — o = 1 1 z o
To nursing one week — 0=10 =
To 4 Gallonds Wine at — 0=15 = 9
j.j a barrill Syder — 0=4 =
To Sugger, fruit & Spice — 0=5 = 6
To 6 paier of Gloues — 0=9 =
To y* CofFen and Graue — 0=8 =
Nathaniel Sawyer.
Ephraim Wilder.
[Massachusetts Archives, LXXI, 129.J
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 155
1705 Oct. 15. Three men arc carried away from Lancaster from Mr
Sawyers Sawmill.
Oct. 16. Hear the bad news from Lancaster.
[Diary of Samuel Scwall, 11.]
Mention is found of Thomas Sawyer's mill upon Dean's,
now called Goodridge Brook, as early as 1699. It was
upon the site of the present dam near the Deer's Horns
school-house. The three captives were Thomas Sawyer,
Jr., his son Elias, a youth of sixteen, and John Bigelow, a
carpenter of Marlborough. Samuel Sewall's, being a
contemporary record, is no doubt correct, though Reverend
Peter Whitney in the History of Worcester County places
the scene of the capture at Sawyer's garrison house. A
younger brother of Elias, about fourteen years old, escaped
through a window, it is said, when the others were cap-
tured. From Whitney's history we derive the romantic
story of the elder Sawyer's rescue after he had already
been tied to the stake for torture. A friar successfully ex-
cited the superstitious fears of the savages by brandishing
a key, and threatening with it to unlock the door of Pur-
gatory and thrust them into its eternal tires, if they did
not release their prisoner to him. He was probably incited
thereto by the French Governor, who wished to avail him-
self of Sawyer's promised skill in the construction of a
mill upon the Chambly. The mill built, — the first in all
Canada, — Thomas Saw3'^er and Bigelow came home.
Elias was detained a year longer, to run the mill and in-
struct others in the art of sawing. The grave of Thomas
Sawyer is in the old burying ground. He died " Septem-
ber 5V* 1736, in ye 89"' Year of his Age."
1705. To his Excellency yoscph Dudley Esq: Capt, General and Gov-
ernor in Chiefs To the Ifofio^-* the Council and House of Representa-
tives now in General Court assembled in and for her Majties. Province
of the Massachusetts Bay in N'ew En^l^, November the 29^* 1705.
The humble Petition of several of the Inhabitants of the Town of
Lancaster whose names are hereunto subscribed. Sheweth. That yo^
r .
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 157
Besides information of general interest given in the mat-
ter and by the signatures of this Petition, the clause which
asserts in effect that not one man had been killed by the
enemy on the east side of the river, is important, as help-
ing to prove incorrect the statements of our historians that
Richard Wheeler had a garrison at Wataquadock, and
that he with Jonas and Joshua Fairbank were killed there
in the massacre of 1676 ; and that Abraham Wheeler was
slain there in 1695.
1706. To His Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq*' Captain Generall &* Gov-
ernour In Cheefe : ^c : Her Majesties Hon^able Couiuill &^ Repre-
sentatives of the Massachusetts Bay In New England^ Coftvened in
Generall Assembly at Boston: May y 29^*: Annoque Dom: 1706.
Wheras it appeares that som of the Inhabitants of the Towne of Lan-
caster have made Application to your Excellency & Hon™ concerning the
place of Setting the Meeting house In said Towne & that a comittie hath
been appointed to Consider thereof but not knowing how far they have
proceeded therein nor what complaints have been made wee have thought
It our duty to acquaint this Great & General Assembley with a breviate of
the Townes Proceedings, Refferring to said meeting house & first at a
Towne meeting appointed by y" selectmen of said Towne in order therto
the 16 of October 1704 the Towne then voted to build a meeting house
and aCTced on y<^ demencions thereof unanimously, but when it came to
be voted where it should stand about 4 or 5 persons Declared their dissent
against it. but the Rest of the persons present at said meeting (or y* most
of them by far) to y* number of neere 30 agreed to set sd house on y«
East side of y* River on or neer to a plaine knowne by y® name of brid-
cake plaine in the most convenient place, but those which were dissattis*
fied objected that y* meeting was not Legal 1 because only warned by the
selectmen & not by warrant by the hand of y^ constable, to Remove said
objection the selectmen consented to warne another meeting to consider
what was farther necessary to be don, Refferring to y building of a meet-
ing house & accordingly gave out warrants to y Constables, to warne the
Inhabitants to meet on Munday the 14 of May 1705, which was accord-
ingly don & the Inhabitants of said Towne being com together after
several! other things agreed upon, they came to discourse about y*" place
of seting the meeting house & having som debate theire were some that
declared theire Dissent against any vote passing Referring to a meeting
house. Resolving as they said that nothing should be don about it (with-
out a comittie( except it be set on the place it last stood, but notwith-
standing the Towne thought they were in theire way to try it by vote (as
158 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
had formerly been used about our former meeting house & consonant with
the first agreement of y* plantation about a meeting house) & accordingly
voted by papers to set it on the East side of the River as neer to it as
conveniently can be which was don by a majo^ vote neer Double to those
that then appeared against it. afterwards at a Towne meeting October y^
8f 1705 : upon due warning given to consider about building the meeting
house & how to Raise a Rate for it & first as to y^ house notwithstanding
a former vote about y* deroendons thereof the Towne now agreed by a
vote to build it Larger, also at another meeting November y* 19*^ 1705, it
was againe voted as to y* place of setting sd house & by a major vote
agreed to set it on y* east side of y« River on y* place concluded on by the
former votes. In all which transactions the Towne have Indeavoured to
accomodate y^ whole as neer as may be & apprehend they have taken
Right methods in Improving theire Liberties & followed the directions in
the Law for the ordering & managing theire own prudentialls by a major
vote, & this matter Reiferring to a meeting house we think to be very
essentiall & of great moment & a thing wherein every one ought to be
privilidged with what convenience may be & which is the very thing cared
and provided for in y^ first covenant & agreement of y*^ Plantation about
a meeting house, that it might be sett in the most equall & convenient
place that may be advized by them, which is all we still desire & accord-
ingly have endeavoured to follow y* stepes of our predessessors without
being sencible of breaking any Law or wronging any persons among us,
so humbly Craving your favourable construction of all our proceedings
herein, & praying your Excellency & honors would Indeavour that peace
with truth & equitie may be promoted amongst us we Remaine your most
Humble Servants according to our Capacitie.
Thomas Wilder
John Wilder \seUcimen
John Houghton
JOSIAH Whetcx)mb
The said John Houghton subscribes to all above written except, what
was don at said meeting Novemb*^ the 19*'' 1705, at which meeting he was
absent
[Massachusetts Archives, XI, 209.]
John Houghton, as town clerk, appends a certified copy of "the townes first agree-
ment al>out a meeting house."
To his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq. Captain Gcncralland Gcnternour In
Cheife &^r. Her Majesties Hon^ablc Councill and Representatives con-
vened In Generall Assevibley at Host on May y 29^* 1706.
Wheras som of y*' Inhabitants of the Towne of Lancaster have mani-
fested theire I )isattisfaction with the Proceedings of said Towne Reflferring
to the Building of a Meeting house & have addressed themselves to y*
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1735.
^9
General! Courl & have obtained a ComiUie to Consider of j' premisses
which Comittie (som of ihem) have had y' Reasons of y' Townes Pro-
ceedings therein in som measure laid before them which we hope &
believe are suffisient to evince the equitie of y" same but whai Influence
ihey liave had we tnow not. therefore we have thought it Necessary to
acquaint this Great & Generall Assembley with som of many that might
be alleadged, & first as to y* place of setting said house the Towne have
considered the Circumstances of the case & have condisended (for y
convenience of y" Minister & those on y' west side of y° River) to
set it neere a mile to y' westward of y* Center of y* Township is. Inhabi-
tants, there being neere two thirds of them that live on the east side
of the River & neere two thirds of all publiqiie charges are borne by
Ihem & neere two parts of y* Lands ly on y* East side & almost all the
to be Ike bigetl by
jse where the Towne have
sere halfe of them will be
If voted as they were to y*
t, & there is above twenty
s far agen from y" meeting
:2dowes so thai that aide not onelyis, but fori
^•^fX^^. neither will the setting of a meeting Hoi
«,-<:> ted it disoblidge those on y* west side form
^m.t K-tc-»<i^U if not altogeiher as nere to y' place noi
^^M<:^ place & the other but little farther from ii
g^m. ■rar~»i!1iES on y* east side that yet will be n
t-^ «::» «-j«.se as the farthest of those on y' west side, of such as are made further
:»*-*- by setting it on y* Ejst side the River, & wheras som suppose it will
^ ^ — '^00 tar from y* minister we know not as yet how far that will be tor the
: «^^ -^--wne have agreed to give him a hundred pound to settle himselfe & if it
-^^ Siis pleasure to live where he nuw doth (which is scarcely a, mile) the
~-^:::^ -^^wne is not in fault about it. Si. as for setting a house on y* west side the
'~^ S. -^.^- ^r. the Towoe can not comply with it having lost two already burtii by
fc- ■ '~ .^iiemy an that side, & therefore think it not prudence to build thereon
fa=S- -^5*- £ ne, it being apprehended to be a very dangerous place Si. if there be
*^^* "^m^ that is more safe & also tnore convenient for y' whole Towne then we
kt^* ■;:» »~ehend it both our prudeni'e & Duty to build it there, & whereas the
[t* ^d^ss. ■« of them that sei-me 10 be most avers to the Towns proceedings have
d^^^«=1.iared it is because they are contrary to y" first agreement of y* Towne
»*^^» <:» '»-»t a meeting house or else they could Redily comply, so on the con-
V*~^*«~3/- we apprehend what y" Towne have don herein is wholly consonant
■^***» said agreement as may be made appeare, the essence whereof is only
***'»^ : viz to set it in the most equall and convenient place that may be
*^-v-ijzed & concluded by the Plantation, & if we must be compelled to set
*■& ^ meeting house on y* place it last stood, then the neerest of all y*
t^T»iIlies on y" cast side of y" River will be as farr if not farther from said
Ho«j.ae than the farthest of those that live on y West side, except the Mill
fltwe think ihey ar not farther from y* new place then they are from y*
, (Ad, so that considering all our circumstances we apprehend we have don
p mthing lo wrong any person but Indeavoured to accomodate the whole as
oECr as may be, so hoping that this Generall Court will not Infringe us of
ibc Liberties dc I'rivilidges Granted us by the General! Courts Grants A
mmm^
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
the Laws of this Province, for us to manage our owne afbires which being
acted according as we conceive according to said Grants & Laws wee hope
will be very muclt for y" future peace & welfare of our towne. which wee
hope & believe this Generall Court will aiwayes be Ready lo promote &
hereby encourage us under thost many Difucallies. we are Continually
laboring under & be farther oblldged as in duty bound ever to pray &c ; &
Remaine your ExoeTlencies & Honors most Humble Servants. In bchalfe
of y" major part of y" Inhabitants of Lancaster
John Houghton
Thomas Wilder
Joseph Wheelock J- Comiiltt
JOSIAH WHETCOMB
John Wiluer
[Massachuseils Arctiives, x;, aofl.]
The first clause printed in italics above, as the yet unful-
filled prophecy of one esteemed very wise in his generation.
is commended to the attention of the Lancastrian towns
east of the Nashaway, for their encouragement. The sec-
ond passage italicised proves that the first church was
burned by the savages, and prubably during the abandon-
ment of the settlement, 1676-g. being rebuilt upon the
same spot about 1684. This has been noted in correction
of popular belief and previous printed statement, by Rev-
erend Abij'ah P. Marvin, in his history of Lancaster.
Wharas by the prouidence of God by sicknes I could not atend the
commit at Boston yet I itiout good to let thos lliat are concarned under
stand my mind about that mater relaring to the setlng of the meling houes
of lankestr, that the most conuenient place for the inhabiiance will be on
the est sid of the riuer aer to or wher I under stand the town hath voted it.
Da t March 3 1706 Tho: Browne.
This may cerlifie whom i
Concord June. 5. r7o6.
., that whereas the subscriber
c to make report where [ancasier meeting
hous might most conveniendy stand for the benefit of the inhabitants his
opinion was that it should be on the est side of the town.
James Minott
[MassachuscKs Archives. XI, aio.]
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
161
Lancaster Judc y* 4 f7o6.
The Inhabitants of y* east side of y* River in said Towne met together
to choose a Comitie to send to y" great and General! Assembly now sitting :
said Court having notified them to appears that so a hearing of y" matter
Referring to y* place of setting up a meeting houne in said Lancaster
might be had said Inhabitants thought it necessary (the better to acquaint
said Conrt) to measure & see the dilference of y* Length of y* way from
the houses in titai part of y" Towne called y' neck to y* place where two of
y* Comittie made theire Report the meeting house should stand & to y*
place where y* Towne have voted it to stand & where y' other two of y"
Comittie apprehend it most convenieni, & find that neer one halfe of them
are considerably neerer to y* Latter & the Rest of them but little farther
from it than they are from y" place Reported to y' Court, & the farthest of
them not fully two miles irom y' place the Towne have voted it. except y*
mill. & the Inhabitants on the Eabt side of y' River must notwithstanding
above ao lamillies of them go farther than any of y° west side & many
must go twice, & some neere three times as far though the meedng house
should be set where it is voted, so that we do not take the house from
them on y' west side as they would Intimate, nor have we don anything
but what was apprehended to be designed when y* last meeting house was
built : for although then severall voted to set it on y" east aide, yet the
major vote carried it on y' west sidu y" River so all was quiet with Ibis
expectation and generall discourse, that (he next we built should be set
L, therefor think it strange to meet with
le of those on y' west side of y' River.
Thomas Wilder
John Houghton
John Wilder \ Comittie
Joseph Wheelock
Josiah Wketcomb
[Mauachusi
MO.)
Province of Massackusefts Say.
To his ExcelUncy yosepk Dudley Esq May, 29. 1706.
The Humble Petition of several of the Inhabitants of the Town of
Lancaster whose names are hereunto subscribed in behalf of themselves
and the Rest of the Inhabitants on the West side of the said Town.
Sheweth, That yo' Petitioners presented a Humble Petition to this Great
and General Assembly at their sessions in November last referring to the
situation of their meeting house praying that it might be settled where it
formerly stood (viit : on the west, and most exposed side,} as is most con-
venient both for minister and people, as was fully set forth in sd Petition,
to which yo' Petition* refer, the Consideration whereof yo' Excellency and
Hono" referred to a Committee of four Genr; two whereof vixt : Col. Tyng
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
er) wer« ^^H
: Major ^^V
til ttit-m '
and Major Converse (who knew the CircumsUnces of Ihe matter)
dearly for having it built on the West side, bill the other
Browne & Capt. Minott who were strangers, refused to CoDL-ur with ihcm
so that nothing was then done. Yo'' Petitioners therefore humbly praj
this Great & Genera! Assembly would please to putt a final End to this
affeir which has been very troublesome & expensive to yo' Pelitjoners and
to Determine & appoint the place where iheyr meeting house shall stand.
And yo' Petitioners (as in duty bound) shall ever pray, &c'T
CVPHIAN StEVBMS
John Prescot
Petek Joslim
JosiAH White
Verte Eph": Wh^er
May, ull, 1706. In Council. Read. & Resolved That both parts of ]
the Town of Lancaster be heard Ijefore the whole Court on l-'riday the 7"
of June next by their Committees, referring to the situation of their meet-
ing House, and that they be notifyed to attend accordingly.
Sent down for concurrance. Isa. Aiiui.VGTOX Seery.
In the House of Represenla
1706. Read and Resolved a
Thomas Oakes Speaker
e z6: 1706. Read & not agreed, ,
12. June. 1706. In Council. Upon a full hearing of both parts of the I
Town of Lancaster by their Committees, Resolved That the Meeting
House be Erected and set up at or near the place where the old Meeting j
House stood, and has been twice before built. 'v
Sent down for concurrance. !ha. Addington Seiy,
In the House of Representatives Ju
& Coiriilted.
June 28 ; Upon a full Hearing, of both parts o( y' Towne of Lancasler I
by their Comiltees, & y* pleas made, by and in y* behalf of y* sd West
side, vizt. yi upon the setting sd house in y" old place they were obliged t<
pay for their house Lotts extraordinary to y" support of sd House & Min-
istry: And y" East side pleading the Rationality of _v* Rebuilding of j'
Meeting house on y" East side; In regard of y* danger where it stood
formerly, & the dissasters that hath befallen them there : & y' it is Ci
trary to y* vote of about two thirds of y* Inhabitants, that met at a LegaJl j
Towne Meeting warned Sr. held Ibr the determining y< affair in their Towne ;
Si seeing most of Ihe lirst planters children being remoued to _v* east nde I
Resolved, that y* meeting house be erected & sett at y' place, when: y" I
Towne last appoynted, it should be sett upon y' East side of y' Riuer Ay*]
y" obligation layd upon y" sd House Lolts extraordinary shal be for euer J
hereafter null & voyd : & y* said Land be rated to the ministry & sd House 1
k »
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 163
according as y* Townes other Lands Improved ; by y* Income, as y* Law
provides for Towne Rates.
July 5 sent up for concurrence Thomas Oakes Sp^'^
July, 13*^ 1706. In Council ; Read and not concurred.
IsA Addington Secy,
[Massachusetts Archives, XI, 207.]
To his Excellency Joseph Dudley Esq, Captain Generall and Governour
in Chief e 6y*c :
The Petition of John Houghton of y* Towne of Lancaster Humbly
Sheweth. That Whereas som of y' Inhabitants of said Lancaster on y*
West side of y* River have applyed themselves to the Generall Assembly
Manifesting theire Dissattisfaction with )'• Townes Proceedings Refferring
to y* place of setting theire meeting house & his Excellency & Councill
having sent to said Towne to stop theire proceeding theirin till the said
Generall Court shall give theire Direction concerning it. In obedience
whereunto said Towne have Desisted & have don nothing to it since the
Spring so that y* frame is much damnified by y* weather, & >-* People under
great disadvantage for want thereof, having for above this two yeares been
necessitated to meet (on the Sabath) at the Ministers House which will
not containe halfe y* Inhabitants but many of them must stand abroad in
all weathers which is very greivious, nor can they heare the minister with
that benifitt that otherwise they might, & if they may not forthwith go on
to finish said House they must still be under the same uncomfortable cir-
cumstances this winter also : as for y* distance of y* inhabitants on y* west
side the River from y* place where the frame now standeth the farthest of
them is but about two miles, & there is above 20 famillies on the east side
that the neerest of them will still be at least three miles from it & som 4 or
5, & were it not to accomodate those on the west side as neere as may be,
said meeting house should have been sett neere a mile more eastward to
com to y* center of y* Towneship & Inhabitants, your Petitioner therefore
Humbly prayes that your Excellency <& Hon? would take y* Premisses into
your Consideration & Grant that the former Restriction may be taken off
& all obsticles Removed, Refferring thereto, which tis hoped will be much
for y* peace & encouragement of said Inhabitants & farther oblidge yo^
Petitioner as' in duty bound ever to pray &c :
John Houghton.
Nov: 1 : 1706, Read In the House of Representatives. Ordered that
the Prayer of sd Petition be Granted .
Sent up for concurrence. Thomas Oakes Sp.
Nov. 2, 1706. In Council Read & Concurred.
Is A. Addington Secy:
I consent to the within order. J. Dudley.
164
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Ao interesting picture for those wlio have eyes to see, is
framed in this simple letter of" the old town's clerk — a
pleasant picture, wherein the shadow of a severe asceticism
is perfused with the glow of heroic faith — a picture of the
Sabbath in Lancaster one hundred and seventy-five years
ago — fifty and more of our sturdy progenitors at staled
hour, some on horseback with wife or daughter on pillion
behind them, most afoot, with guns on shoulder, wending
their way at the head of their families from widely scat-
tered homes towards a common centre — from Prescott's
Mills and Bare Hill, from the Neck and Bridecake Plain,
from Qiiasaponikin, Wataquadock and far-away Kequas-
sagansit, little processions of God-fearing people clad in
leather and homespun, coming through storm or sunshine,
in winter's snow or spring mire, and gathering about the
parsonage at the road crossing in South Lancaster; filling
its rooms to overflowing, and huddling about its open doors
to catch in listening ears and carry away in retentive mem-
ories the fervid exhortations of young master John Prentice,
the new minister.
The frame, "damnified" by two years' storms, was now
quickly covered in, and peace reigned in the church.
Very few facts can be gleaned from contemporary records
about the edifice, except that Robert Houghton was prob-
ably chief architect and builder; the town voting him
twelve acres of land "for work don by him at the meeting
house," and twenty-five acres "for making the pulpit,"
His brother John seems to have been a peace maker in the
controversy, and is credited with the gift of the site for the
building, while Thomas Wilder gave land upposite for the
burial ground, now known as the Old Common Cemetery.
Reverend Timothy Harrington tells us that Mr. John
Prentice began preaching here in May. 1705, was offered
a settlement February, 1707, and was ordained on the 29th
of March. 1708. Joseph Willard, Esq., in his histor)' of
Lancaster gives some information respecting Mr. Prentice "s
r
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 165
family which, he is careful to Gtate, was derived from the
investigations of ancither. His informant was largely in
error, if we may believe the results of more modern re-
search. Reverend John Prentice was born in Newton
about 16H2, being the son of Thomas, Jr., and Sarah
(Stanton) Prentice. His father died in 1684. His grand-
father was the captain of cavalry famous in Philip's war,
who was alive at the time of his grandson's settlement in
Lancaster, but died at the age of ninety, July 6, 1710, "in
consequence of a fall from his horse while returning from
public worship." John Prentice, according to the Rox-
bury church records, was married to Mrs. Mary Gardner,
Dec- 4, 170S- II'S faithful ministry in Lancaster ended
with his life, Jan. 6th, 1748.
1707
May il I'lease your excelH
Wee are sorry that we have Such News 10 acquaint you with, in y' in
pur Persuit & Engagement with y" enemy we lost 2 men of niarlborough
besides Wilder which was taken which is Killed : one of Lancaster and one
of mariborough is wounded : we overtook ihem about 8 or 9 mile wide of
Lancaster this day about 9 a clock this day where we fought them about *
hours the enemy haveing a great advantage of us when we come up with
ihcm ; there being about thirty of them as we supjxise, at Length we wholly
routed ihem and look all their jiacks and provision & have Slain Several!
of them without any doubt, but we had not Time to find them, we have
sent about thirty men to waylay them or head them if they can, being in
great hast we subscribe
Your excelly' Most Humble Serv"",
Praying your further direct'. Tho : Howe
Jo SI AH Co VERSE
[Mrtssachusells Archived LF, 174.]
On Monday last the i6th currant. Thirteen Indians on the Frontiers
surprised two men ai their labour in the Meadows at Marlborough about
four miles distant from the body of the Town, took them both alive ; and
as they parted out of the Town took a woman also in their marching off,
whom Ihey killed. How. one of the Prisoners broke away In a scufi1e,and
brought home the Indians Gun and Hatchet, and acquainted (he Garrison
and Inhabitants, who speedily followed the^i, and were joyned by 20 from
Lancaster, being in all 40 odd. came up with the Enemy who were also in-
creased to 36 and on Tuesday at ten of the Clock found them, and in two
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
167
shillings, as may a|}peare by the Docters Bill for sd cure, also there was
one Gun lost being caried away by y* enemy which Gun belonged to John
ffarer of Marleborough who was then slaine, & his widow & children Left
in a Low condition, j' Gun was worth at y* Least fourty ahillfngs which
yo' Peiiiioner prays may he alowed to said Widow ; there were two Horses
killed and two wounded, one that was killed belonged 10 Jonathan Brig-
ham being worth eight pounds & the other valued worth foure poiuids
belonged to Samuel] Ward one of y* Horses wounded was Joseph Newtons
his charge of aire & Damage was at least twelve shillings, (he other Horse
wounded belonged 10 Oliver How whose charge for cure & Damage was
twenty shillings, ther was also som thing 'Considerable expended as was
Necessars" for y* Decent Bnriall of three Persons Slain in said Engagement.
Your Petition' therefore Humbly Prays that your Excellency & Hon™
would take the Premisses into your serious Consideration & Grant such
Reasonable alowances to y" Parties concerned as above mentioned r as In
your Wisdom shall seem Just & Equitable & your Petitioner as In Duty
Bound Shall ever pray &c. Sam"". Brigham.
House of Representatives, June 16. 1708. Read & Resolved: That
there be allowed & Paid out of the Publick Treasury, as follows, v'ni:
To Ephraim Wilder for the cure of his wound the sum of three Pounds
and for the losse of his Time, charges &c five Pounds.
To the widow of John Farrer for a Gun lost Thirty shillings.
To Jonathan Brigham for a Horse killed four Pounds.
To Sam" Ward for a Horse killed Two Pounds.
Sent up for concurrence, 16 June 1708
Thomas Oliver Sptaker
In Council Read & concurr^ IsA. Aduington Stcra
Concord Jui
These may Certify whom it may concern there is due to
cLne dressing & curing of a wound in y" thygh of Ephra
Lancaster which he Received by a sholt from y" Enemy in :
ment some time in .August last under y* conduct of Lei
Mlbrow, y* sum of four pounds tenn shillings as atests
JoNA. Prescott Chir.
[MasiBchiJsells Archive*, LX.tl, 454 el. seq.]
ne for Medi-
n Wild!
late engagi
Brigh:
of
of
In Massachusetts Archives, lxxi, 421-3, is a petition
from Samuel Stevens dated Nov. 10, 1707, asking aid,
" his hands being both shott by y'' enemy & lost many joynts
which has Greatly disinabl*' him as to his caling, being a
Joyner." Twenty pounds was voted him and a pension,
at pleasure of the government, of forty shillings per
annum.
i68
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
1709. To his ExcdUncy Joseph Dudley Esq' Capt General and Govtrtt^
in Chuf in and 07'er her Majesties Province af Ike Afassachtisetit Bay
in New England, and to the Most Honorable Gen' of her Afojesliti
Council, with the Honii'^'' GenI of the house of Representatives.
Humbie Peltion of us Whose Names are Under Written humbley
Sheweth, we Inhabiting on y" West part of >■' Town of Lancaster being
y* exlreame front, h haveing Subsisted Capt Will"' Tyogs men, are kept
out of our Money to our Great damage, sume of us iiaueing Reir' nothing
since Apr" aSJ"* 1703. Which to last April mats a full yeare besids old
arers of no smai sum. Sume .of us being poor & Under Ingagmts 1*^
cannot be answered for Want hereof w'*" exposses to y* penalty of y" law,
we haue now lo Adress ourselves but to yo' Hon" as y' fathers of our
Israel, hoping you will Vouhsafe to help us, thai our Money so well de-
setved, Being alowcd but 3' y' week a man. may be more easchy com at &
not to pass through y* hands of perticuler men, w°'> has greatly hurt us
sum years past, if your Hon" se cause to Graunt yo' Pettin" what we
pray for, will lay us Under obligations to pray for yo' Hon" peace Sl
Pr^rity.
Oct 28 1709.
Yo'' most humble Servts
\Endoried,'\
In the House of Representatives. Nov,
That the Treasurer, be Directed, to make
JABEZ FFAIRBANIU
Joseph Hutcmims
John Glakear
John Prescot
Cvf'RiAN Stevens
StMON Stevens
JosiAH White
Nat HAN ILL Sawver
i: 1709. Read and ordered,
Paymts cither to Col Tyng.
or his son Maj Tyng, for any Demands they haue to make, upon the
Treasury, for any sum or sums due to ihem. until] they Produce Discbarges,
under the hauds of the Pctitiouers. for the sums due to them, for their
Billelting Souldicrs (by their order.) unto this present year 1709. And
That the sdCol. & his son, do notify the severall Inhabitants of Lancaster.
Grolton Dunstable &c, That haue by their order Billetted, Souldiers to
meet with them some time in this present month of November, at some
certain place in the respective Towns, that they make up their amounts &
Take Discnarges from the Several! Inhabitants, for their Billettiag Soul- \
diers for the lime afores'^.
Sent up for concurrence. John Clark Speaker
F
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
due to Jabez fiairbanks for Billeting of men under the "■ ■ *
command of Cap t William Tyng in the years llaj & 1708 — 9 .. 16 „ la
due to John Preacott — 2 „ 12 ,. 4
due to Joseph Hutchins — 1 ., 19 .. 8
due lo Natlunael Sawyer — I ., 8 .. 9
due 10 Cyprian Steevens — 6 ,. 19 ,. 6
due lo Simon Steevens — 1 ,. '7 .. 8
due to Josiah Whit — 2., 8., o
Lanchaster twenty first of November 1709
Then received of Captain William Ting for subsisting men under his
command in full from the beginning of y* world lo the twenty eighth of
Aprill one thousand seven hundred and nine by us the sub.icribers
Nathaniel Sawyer
CvpRiAN Steuens
Simon Steuens
Josiah White
JABE2 Fairdank
John Prescott
Joseph -j- Hucthins
[Muaachus
XI. s6s-a-]
The first page of the Church Records, begun by Rever-
end John Prentice after his settlement, contains a copy of
the Covenant. There are no minutes of church meetings
before 1728, all earlier records being those of baptisms
and admissioits to the church.
LANCASTER CHURCH COVENANT.
Renewed March 39 1 708 before the Ordination 0/ the Rev^ "JohH PrentU*.
We whose Names are hereunto subscribed being Inhabitants [of tbe]
Town of Lancaster in New.£ngland, Knowing that we [are] prone to
otTEnd & Provoke the most high God, both in heart [word and deed]
through the Prevalence of Sin that dwclleth within us, & [through]
Temptations from without us, for which we have great [reason to] be Ud-
fcignedly humbled before him from Day to Day do [in the] name of our
Lord Jesus Christ, with Dependance upon the Assistance of his holy
Spirit, Solemnly enter into Covenant with God, & one with another ac-
cording to God. as followeth.
Imprimis Thai having Chosen & taken the Lord Jehovah to [be our]
Cod. we will fear him, cleave to him in Love, & serve [him in] truth with '
all our hearts giving up ourselves unto him [as his] People. In all thinga
to be at his Direction & Sovereigne [dbposal] . that we aay have & hold
170
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
n with him as [members] of Christs Mystical Body, according
to his Revealed will [unto our] Lives End.
2 We also bind ourselves, to bring up our Children & Servants
[in the] Knowledge & fear of God. by holy Instructions accurdiug lo our
abilities. &. in Special by the Use of orthodox Catechisms [that] ttue
Religion may be maintained in our families while we [live] yea and
among such as shall Live when we are dead & Gone.
3. And we further promise, To Keep close lo y" truth of Christ,
endeavouring with lively AfTection towards it In our hearts, to defend it
against all opposers y'of. as God shall call us at any lime thereunto,
[which] that we may do. We Resolve to use the holy scriptures [as our]
platforme, whereby we may discern the mind of Christ [and not the] New
found Inventions of men.
4. We also Ingagc our selves to have a Careful Inspection of our own
hearts, viz, so as to Endeavour by the Virtue of the [death] of Christ, tlic
mortilication of all our sinful Passions, [worldly] frames & Disorderly
affections, whereby we may be withdrawn [from] the Living God.
S- We moreover Oblidge our selves (in the faithful Improvement [of
our] ability and opportunity) to worship God according to all ihe particu-
lar institutions of Christ for his Church under Gospel Administrations
[with] Reverent attention unto y' word of God. to pray unto him [with]
Praises, and to hold Communion each with other, in the [u.'ie of] the seals
of the Covenant, namely. Baptism & y" Supper of [the Lord,]
6. We Likewise promise. That we will peaceably submilt [unto the]
Discipline appointed by Christ in his Church for offenders, obeying (ac-
cording to y' will of God) them that have the Rule over us in Ihe [Lord.]
7. We also bind our selves lo walk in Love one towards another en-
deavouring our mutual Edification, Visiting. Exhorting, Comforting, [as
occasion], servelh, and warning any Brother or Sister which offeudeth
[not] divulging private offences Irregularly, but heedfuUy following the
Precepts laid down for Church dealing Matth. iS, 15, 16. 17. [While
for]giving all that do manifest unto the Judgment of Charity [that they]
truly Repent of their miscarriages.
Now the Cod of peace that brought again from the Dead Our Lord
[the] great shepherd of the sheep through the Blood of the Everlasting
[Covenant,] Make us perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working
that which is well pleasing in his sight through Jesus X to whom [be]
glory for ever & ever. Amen.
Words printed in brackets are in place of those worn
from edge of leaf. The writing is that of Mr. Prentice,
and at the end he signed his own name, and wrote below
it the names of seven of his chtjrch. purhaps ;it that time
the only male members. They were : Thomas Wilder, 1
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
171
John Houghton, Josiah Whetcomb, John Wilder, Jeremiah
Willson, John Rugg. Jonathan Moor. Twenty-five other
names have been signed on the same, and four on the
opposite page, from time to time, as they became members
of the church ; for e.vample. Major Samuel Willard's, who
joined Nov. i8, 1733, and that of Joseph Wilder, Jr., who
was admitted April 14, 1734. A majority seem not to have
signed this copy of the covenant.
To her Majesties Hoifahle Jiistkes of said Ct'HHty
iiiened in Quarter Sissions at Chnrisloumt, March
1710. Middtesexs.
vf Middlesex c
r i3'*'7'°/n.
The Humble Request of The Inhabitants of y" Towne of Uncasier
as ITolloweth. That forasmuch as said InhablUnts have for several yearea
past Sustained Great Djiii.ige by Reason of Many Caltell & Horses be-
loQgiog lo other Townes being brought to feed (in y* Sufner Season) on
our Cofnons, alihoui^h y' owners of said cattell hate no Right therin &
Some of our Inhabitants that hve neer the outskirts of y* Towne have
from lime lo lime for several yeares past Received such cattell under their
care & Inspection, whereby we are not only Damnified In our feeding
land, but also most of our out medows are quite Ruined & so eat up that
we can get but very Little Hay, but shall unavoidably ieen our cattell.
For Prevention of the Like Damage for y" future y' Inhabitants of said
Lancaster al theire Towne Meeting .May y* 22'' 1710, Voted & ordered &
y* Selectmen of said Towne have Acordingly agreed & concluded thai
from & after y" first Day of April next beinge y' yeare of our Lord 1711 it
any Person or Persons inhabitants of said Lancaster shall Presume to take
in any such cattell as above said whose owners have no Right nor Privil-
ege in said Cofiions, & shall Keep such Cattell to Run at Large lo y* Dam-
age of y* Towne as abovesaid, every such Inhabitant .so doing shall be
Lyable lo pay as a fine (lo y' use of the Towne) five shillings pr head for
every such beast so taken & Kept by them to feed on said Comons as
abovesaid, which in behalfe of y' Inhabitants of said t^ncaster is hereby
presented to your Hon" Humbly praying your alowancc & approbation of
y* same that so it may be binding lo all y' Inhabitants of said Lancaster
in all Respects as the Law Dirrects in such Ca.ses, tliat may be approved
off by your Hon" & Remaine
Your Hon" most Humble Servants.
Thomas Wilder
John Houghton
Joseph Wilder
Jacob HoufiHiON J
[Middlesex Court Files.]
173
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Charlestown, Mar 13 1710/it.
The Conn having Inspecied the by Laws of the sd Town ol Lancaster
s on file allow of the same for this year.
[MiddicsHj Coiin Records.]
i7io~ir Afidtilettx tt. To her hfajestUs fion'-abU yutliat of saiJ
County of Middlesex Convtnid in Quarter SuiioMS at Ciarltlowne.
March y* 13"" 1710 11. Pursuant to a suinons Wherein y" Selectmeo
of y" Towne of Lancaster or some of them are Required to appeare at said
Sessions lo Answer to a Presentment of said Towne for want of a School-
master. These are Humbly to acquaint your Hon" that before the pre-
sentment wee bad appointed a Towne Meeting in order to y" procuring of
a Schoolmaster & accordingly have agreed wiih Mr. John Houghton Sen'.
for the yeare ensuing who is now actually Engaged for Se in said work. &
hath fonnerly been Imployed by the Towne in said service & Instructed
some in Writing but under our present Dangerous Circumstances il is
very Hazardous sending our children to schoole Living so scattering, yet
we are willing to do herein what Possibly is to be done, not onely to ans-
wer y* Law but for our own benifitt & therefore Humbly pray there may
be 00 &rtber Proceedings upon said Presentment.
Dated Lan" March >- 9* 1710/11,
pr yr Hon" most Humble Servants
Thomas Wildeb
EPHRA.M Wiij>ER Selectmen
Jf>SEPa WILDER
Jacob Houghton
[Middlewix Cotin Files.]
Chakle^stown Mar. 13 1710/11.
The Selectmen of Lancaster appearing in Court to answ' their present-
ment of their Town for want of a schoolmaster and representing to y*
Court their circumstances and their care for Instruction of youth, the
Court accepts the same and allow thereof till further order of this Court
nfile.
(Uiddiesiu CouR Record!.]
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- «7aS-
»73
171 1 A List of the Frontier Garrisoms Reviewed by Order
OF His Excellency the Governour in November 1711.
No.
Garriaons
FamiUes
InhabitMitt
SonIdMn
Sovla
I
Heze Willard
3
4
I
8
2
Mrs Houghton
4
5
I
25
3
Capt Wilder
7
II
I
47
4
Mr Houghton
•
2
4
I
13
5
Mr White
6
8
2
38
6
Lieut Joslin
3
3
2
18
7
Mr Bowers
3
7
I
9
8
Mr Bennet
3
7
34
9
Mr Stevens
4
4
2
19
10
Mr Prentice
2
2
3
9
II
Ensg Wilder
4
4
2
18
12
Mr Sawyer
S
7
I
23
13
Mr Prescot
3
4
2
15
14
Mr Beanian
3
4
H
15
Mr Snow
3
4
18
16
Henry Houghton
3
2
'5
17
Mr Preist
6
7
25
18
Caleb Sawyer
2
3
I
II
19
Wm Sawyer
3
3
12
20
Mr Whitcomb
4
4
'7
21
Mr More
I
I
8
22
John More
2
2
7
23 1 Mr Houghton
I
I
I
3
24
Mr Wilson
I
3
II
25
Jo Whitcombe
2
2
7
26
Mr Wheeler
3
4
»9
27
Mr Fairbank
2
5
IS
27
83
III
21
458
[Massachusetts Archires, LXXL 876.]
171 1. At a town meeting held February 5, some action
was taken favoring the acquisition by the town of the land
bonded by Tahanto in 1701, and ninety-eight of the in-
habitants signed the following contract :
Know all men, that we the subscribers being desiroas to purchase a
tract of Land which lieth on the West side of Lancaster, whicli lands
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735- 175
Tin the House of Representatives Oct: 25: 1712.
Ordered that the Vole of this House above written be Revived &
ent op for Concurrence.
John Burrill Speaktr
I I7I3- J"°e S. '713- 'n Council
Read and Ordered That the Tract of Land as within described
|tM added and confirmed to the Town of Lancaster as part of that Town-
ilip. not prejudicing any former Grants.
Sent down for concurrance. Iba. Addington Scey.
In the House of Representatives June 8 1713 Read & Concured.
John Burrill Speaker
(Massachuietis Archives, ex in. 633.1
(7 15, To tk( HoifabU His Majtiei yusticti of the County af Middlesex
CoHTeitedia Quarter Sessions at Charlestown December, y ly* 1715.
These are to acquaint your Hon'* that for as much as we understand
I>kSi.t the Towne of Lancaster is under Presentment for want of a Grammar
Schooll & some of ye Selectmen of said Towne are Required to appeare
■ n order to Answer thereto we have accordingly appointed Capl. Joslin &
^^r Hooker Osgood to Inform your Hon" that we having no Grand Jury
an had no knowledge of ye Presentment till we were summoned to ans-
wer, yet nevertheless the Towne for these severall months have Indeav'
^red to Procure a xchoole master that may benefit y Towne & answer y*
£.akw, & have agred with a young Gentleman Viz : Mr Perpoint of Rox-
t>airy who had now Probably l>een actually in said service but his Indispos-
■ Cio^ of Body hinders; we would crave leave further to acquaint your
T-I'on'" that we are humbly of oppinion that we are scarcely Liable to
r*s ' ea« ntme n t for we have but very Lately had y* number of families y*
I-^K^v Requires, & a considerable number of them are either single Persons
^^Id^irs or poor families noways able to Contribule to y* Charge nor yet
s«*l>sist without Reliefe, therefore Humbly pray that no fine may be
1 'ni>C3«e(l upon us, nor be as yet enjoined to be constantly provided with a
G»"^H»er Schoolemaster but that a writing schoole may answer dll our
<**»»*»t»er be Increased. In behalfe of the Selectmen of Lancaster.
John HoLGHTo.t
Oated Last Decemb;)-* 12 171; Town CUrk
•7»5- Charlestow-n Dec 13 1715
CTapt. Joslin & Mr. Hooker Osgood of y* Selectmen of Lancaster
^W^Aring to answer their prsentmcnl for want of a grammar school. In-
(nftning the court ihey ha\-e agreed w"" young -Mr Pierpont who bad been
^i^ y* actually but is fallen under indisposition of Body by reason of
n^ness & expert him speedily, the court accept the sd answer and are
&tniM paying fee.
[MJddiesci Com Records.]
176
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
The law of 1647 enjoins that "where any towoe sbn
increase to y' number of 100 families or house hould?they
shall set up a grainer schoole. y" mr thereof being able to
instruct youth so farr as they may be filed for y" university."
This taw was in force, and the above action of the court
fixes approximately the population of Lancaster at this
date.
r7r5. Nolandum. August, 4"' 1715, Att a Church meelJng atl y' house
of John Prentice, Captain Peter /oslin & Joseph Wilder were chosen lo
y' Deacons office in the Church of Christ in Lancaster & accepted of said
[Lanca
T Chnieb Reoordi.]
Where not otherwise slated, the following pages in the
town's records are by the hand of Joseph Wilder, Sen.,
proprietor's clerk.
1716. Monday Feburary ihe 4"' 1716/17. alt a Meeting of the Pro-
pralee of lL.aDcas-ter It being th<.-re iitated Meeting, and lirst made Choyce
of Jabaz ffairbank as Moderater for Said Meeting Then severall Propozi-
lions was Read before the Town bruu Into y* Selectmen
I Towit the proposition of Nahum Ward Desiers that the Hiway thai
Leyeth by his Hous may be altered on y" South Side the brook & Lye a
little Higher & it will be upon as good Land & as Neer to pass to where
it now Lyea on Divols Land
I. Josah White Desiers the Town would Grant Liberty that two gates
may be sett up on the hiway through his entervail according to a fortner
order in y" Town
3. John Houghton Sen' Desieres the Town would Let him have the
entervale aboue the Red Spring which was formerly granted to Danil
Gaines to make up his entervale Lott the said Houghton haveing Pur-
chased said Gaines Second devition entervale Lott & Cannot find where
it was Laied out : or if he Cannot have sade entervale Then that the Town
would Grant him some other land in Lew there off
4. Thfn Jonathan Houghton desiers the town to Grant him Liberty
to Cut! 3 or 4 hunilered pine trees & draw the Turpentine, s* pioes
desiered ar ajoyning to Som Land of his fathers on y" west side the hiway
that Ueds to Thomas Wilders.
1
The collection of turpentine and manufacture
the New England pine forests had become an i
e ine niway ^k
of tar in ^H
mportant ^|
\
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1723. 177
R, and these products an article of export to Great
So early as 1703 legislation was demanded to
prevent the destruction of trees by those engaged in the
public forests collecting turpentine.
5. Ebenezer Wilder desiers ihe Town would Grant him fifty three
acres of Land, or there abouts partly leyed out by him soposed to be but
a part of what was purchescd by him of John Addams ; or Els that the
Town would appoint som meet person to state and make bounds with him
as Neer as may be according to what is Written the bounds being som of
them Lost.
6 Jonathan Moor desiered the Town would Grant him a hiway through
y* Land of Will™ & Joseph Sawyer formerly Granted & Laied out to bare
hill Medoffs.
7 the propozition of John Goss desiers the hiway that goes from the
Scar bridge to the mill may go up by the River & so com in to the path
after it com up the Hill
8 a Clame was M^de by Severall Persons Represented by frances
fullom to wit as followcth.
We the subscribers whose Names are under Written
£ • d
Daniel How upon the Right of Capt Henry Carley — 100 -0-0
John Barns upon the Right of Capt Henry Carley — 050 -0-0
James Keyes upon the Right of — Roper — 050 -0-0
John Shermon upon the Right of John Moor —
Benjamin Bayley upon the Right of John Houghton —
David Church on y Right of Capt Carley —
David Church upon the Right of Edward Breck —
John Booker upon y' Right of Robert Houghton —
Simon Gates upon the Right of Steeven Gates —
Isaac Hunt upon y* Right of Samuell Bennit —
Sam" Wright upon y* Right of Cypran Steevens —
Fra Fullam upon y* Right of George Adams —
Do Hereby Demand all & every of our Respective Rights & Divisions of
in & unto ail Rights & Devitions of Lands Made or to be Made in that
tract of Land Last Granted by the Great & Generall Court of the Province
of Ihe Massachusets Bay in New England the 27 of May 1713 to be
added & Coufermed to y* Town of Lancaster as part of that Townsheep
in which Tract of Land we have & Clame our Just Rights of property in ■
proportion as being Invested with the oRiganal Rights in said Town of
Lancaster John Shermon Sam"- Wright
Danil How Fra Fullah
John Barns David CntJRCH
James Keves Benj Baily
Simon Gates
020.
-o-
-0
050-
-0-
-0
050-
-o-
-0
3'4-
-o-
-o
030-
-0-
-0
040-
-0-
-0
.78
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
31
o of Naliura Ward re- ^^H
In the second ])Iace they Granted (he Proposi
fering toy Hiway.
Thirdly they Granted Josiah White Leberty to set up Cats in the
Hiway foure years
forthiy they Granted tlie proposition of John Houghton Refering lo
Ganes Entervail that it lie aboue (he Read Spring provided it be not found
to be all Ready Laid out els where
In y s place In answer to the Proposition of Jonathan Moor they Made
Choyce of Left John Houghton Easigne James Wilder & Josiah Wheeler
to be a Commily lo vew y* way proposed for by Jonathan Mnor from his
Hous to barehill Medow. & pertetjulerly through y* Land of Willi"' &
Joseph Sawyers Land to Sec if there be need there of: & if needed to
Lay out y* same & make a Report to the Town.
Sixtly They Vored that Ebenezer Wilder have sixty-three acres of
Land in full of what was purchased by him of John Adams where he hes
now Layed It out by Jonas Houghton Juner : with alowance for a hieway
through a part of it
Seaventhly they voted that they will Lay out y* Stated Comon on y*
west side the River & appointed Jonas Houghton Ju. to be the servaier &
that £ph Wilder & Joseph Wilder assist him therein & make a Return to
the ajornment of this Meeting
Eaightly they voted that y* first Monday of March next be the Meeting
for Choosing of Town offiser^.
Ninthly they voted that John Houghton Ephriam Wilder James Wilder
& Joseph Wilder should Treel with the Niminhahiance Refering to there
Right
In y* Tenth place. There was a motion made in sd Meeting that y*
Staled Common & other Commons should be divided: bul was lell to
Consederation
There was allso then a Return made lo the Town by a Commity who
sent to vew y* Land of Edmund & El>enezer Harris & to se how there
bounds was betwene them & the Stated Common & Reported thus that they
had made bounds, from Ebene^er bemans Corner to y' Corner of John
Benit l^yed out lo y' Right of Mucklode Lakeing in y' swamp to the
Harrises as it is now marked John Benits Corner being a little pine & so
Runs to a poplcr takeing in a Smal Corner of Land to Kbeiiezer Harris Se
from thence it Runes to a Red Oke at y* hiway on y* west side of the
hiway & so to a Red Oke. one the ea'it side y* way & so luns to a white
oke & so to another while oke 5: so to Ebene?;er Itemans Corner. Note
allso that y"line from Jonn Benits Corner Runs straight to llieould Comer
of Kbene/er Harris Land being a pine. Said Report was Excepted by
the Town and y' Meeting was ajorned by the Moderater to y" liflh day
of March next following-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- [725.
March y 5 1716/17. The propriaters of the Town of Lancaster Meet
at the Meeting hous upon ajournment from y* forth of February & first
took into ihere Conscderation the Motion & Clam Made by Seaverall
porsoDS Represented by Cpl frances Fullum upon y" 4 of february last past
of and in a tract of Land purchased by the Inhabitance of Lancaster of
Goorge Dahannala & other Indins & since aded & coofermed to y' Town
of Lancaster by the Great & General Court, agitated the Same & Con-
cluded that they towit the proprieters of the Town of Lancaster haue no
Right nor Enterest in sd Land purchased of y Indiens by any former
Rights of the Town of Lancaster & allso further Conclude & agree thai
they will haue nothing to do with y said Land in point of devition upon
y OReginall Rights of said Town, But Conclude that it be to y^ Inhaby-
tance of said Town of Lancaster who purchased y same, set off as a pro-
priaty y' first tusday of March 1715-16 as their proper Right & propriety
to order Divide Improve & despose of the same according to Ihere enter-
est therein by purchas as y Law in that case hes made provition.
Secondly They Made Choyce of Mr John Houghton & Jabaz Fairbank
to give an answer to y' Non Resodance Retering to there Claroe.
thirdly they Chose Jonas Houghton Ju to be a Servairer to Lay out
Land in y old Town Bounds
forlhly The Town Made Choyce of John Houghton Nathanit Sawyer
Jonas Houghton & Joseph Wilder to be a Committy to Mesuer & find out
y' Lotts formerly Layed out in Quasaponacin & make Report to y Town
as Boone as may be
fifthly that y Stated Common Extend half a Mile wide till y' first or
loer line com to y River
6 They Granted a half devinion of Land in the undevided Land in
Lancaster to be divided by the same Rule as formerly Si thai they begin to
Lay out the first of May next & not before
7 They Granted Eaighty acres of Land to John Houghton Sr for
Serveing as Clerk & Makeing of Rales, Lying aboue y Red Spring if
found out of y' Staled Common
8 They Town Granted six acres of Land to John Wilder & foure to
James Wilder for alowance for a hiewaie through y Land of John Wilder
from y Corner of his Land till it Comes to y' Land of Joseph Wilder &
from y Land of Joseph Wilder to y' hieway that Comes from Marlburrow
Lastly they ajomed the Meeting to y 8 of april being the Second Mon-
day of sd month.
1717. April y8 t7i7 on ajornment from y S of March the Town
Meet at y Meeting House and first John Goss Proposed to have y Hiway
moved that Goeth to y Mill the Town made Choyce of John Wilder Sr &
Robard Houghton to be a Commity to vew y same & make Report to y
Town
2 Samuetl Warner put in a proposision to y Town Requesting them
^'
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 181
7 They exsepted y* Return of y* Commity who was sent to Lay out y«
Stated Common
8 They Voted that all those Persons who have Layed out Land in y
Stated Common should hould y* same as it is Layed out.
9 They voted that the Stated Common be divided according to the
Interest
10 They voted that no person Cut any timber on y* Stated Common
otherwise then under y* like penalty as by Law provided for Cuting on
other mens Land till it be Layed out.
1717. Charlestown April 30 1717.
Lancaster Selectmen are allowed to enter theire Caution agst one Rob-
ert Hues being an Inhabitant of their Town having by their LawfuU Officer
warned him to Depart theire Town as per theire Caution allowed on file.
• [Middlesex Court Records.]
To the Hon^ble Justices .... March ye 13'* 17161^.
May it Please your Hon"*, that whereas the selectmen of the Towne
of Lancaster Did in December last past by an order to Josiah White Con-
stable, Warne Robbert Hues to depart out of y* Bounds pr Limits of
said Lancaster & accordingly said Constable on y* 4*** of said December
did warne said Robbert Hues forthwith to Leave said Towne & also made
Returne of his so doing to y* selectmen & they also Did notifie your Hon"
Desiring that an entry thereof might be made : that so the Towne might
not be Lyable to be at y* Charge for his maintenance in case he should
come to want Reliefe, but understanding said notification was not ac-
cepted, because not signed by the constable, wee have herewith presented
to your Hon" y' sd selectmens order to said Constable with his Return
upon it signed by him, Humbly Requesting it may be Received & Entered
& said Towne of Lancaster secured from being Chargeable with y* main-
tenance of said Hues, we apprehending that our former notification was
agreeable with y* Law.
John Houghton \
James Wilder \Selecttnen
Joseph Wilder J
Dated Lancaster March 8 17 16/17.
1717 August and allso we present y* town of Lancaster for
neglecting to repair y* great bridge in sd town neer y« meeting house . .
[Middlesex Court Files.]
Tusday august y« 29*'^ 1717- In a meeting of y* Propriaters of Lan-
caster warned by a Warrant from Justice Thomas How Esq' first Made
Choyce of John Houghton Sr for a Moderater & then Suspended the forth
devision till the next february meeting :
'^- --'^ Tir-ur^ zj± ■ . irr -::± itaiea Acsr.z\g xr pncriade,
'ii:^ Z: \^ : 1-zr 7 zisr -aal- =r i. -l *:<i±rruir :or •faid ^[eet:ag: i
-j*r. ----j^.'-Mi * i_:j:i "rrzi. Min^jia zttct irst -ae :mi3<innaii af die Rev-
^r?c*i '.7 -in ~-?f=i-:!* v,-ir:i"'^ — c =ie- irocnce :o ippainc son aieet
tT^rrj - -.:zzt z\r :.":^." _irT::ir zc .ZiLki us ziaus 3uw Scaizids ::poa
x^--r'Tr..i J':i:i ?"r:i::iJ:±. June r. iTce. had purchased
: -f i^r.Ui.- 7-±=^-.:r. :zc mi. rmnart: -nun vho by iccident
^".Irzi 11= Xr--:r=ni: Jmiiri^ Jur±:cr. *iil 'aL* iioii:«emg.
L-inii£ mi.: nst-iL:. v^.* Tic ic~i Jiciudes "me upland
:. ise 1. n ry :^cti.>~..ti rvftnr- icrss iicn; :r less lying
n -iir ~w"::<r j— ::: r" — - jL'-'fr n :ne N»:nii side of rhe
L-;:: i: 7*1. .hjj* 5i\~"-:r ruimiic-i s-.ixeh 'tj said Sawyer's
l^-.rr y--r-n £ ~^'±Sv r* :iie :n:in^vi".' Tjiia -^as the
*5 *-; J*e-vi. " =c r^e-i. _•;' ne irs J'tjiin Presc::c- and
;5-jne'v :eri ^c-ir "ine i:i;scrTnr/5C —xc :r" it 5iLcd Samuel
"-i^.iT- iLiCire. li i'!'.^ :r i^r,^ i lar^ and imdoubt-
^il- m^cm -1. ii^e. i:it-»v-2 ::• ne Tr Ai:Terrn ziazsion.
V t icrt rLiTi iL-^rr r^- r»i^cvc vT'ianes H\ini:?crev. and
::tt T:-±5czr ii:u<<; ir^ivrKi: irvn is? sa;. Tia: .Ld house,
V ii^..! Ir IfTii^ >-:jLcmi re>=ttaec*i rrr-ziLi^ hi^ marriage
vni u--: v-..!:: V - !•" S:un:-n rr^inzv:;;. zia/ have been.
:: VI _: .r z. T-irr. z:e : .^-sfs: ji' J^z'-trtnd ^citl Prenrice
:.: : ^1*1-^ ~ 7*ie 'i. •i.>.- — u\ u-iii included ihe
■•j::^^ ." - ; :u*k';^^ rrs -:•»"! tj.u-C rrrrw rj :3e rtnrsv
MASSACHUSETTS, 1643-1725,
1S3
^plors made Choyce of John Wilder Sr Jonas HoughtOD Sr & James
Wilder [o be a Comtnitte ta vew & Stake said bounds.
r to the prcipotilion of Edmund & Ebeneier Harris the
Town volcd to give said Harrises the Hiway proposed for provided the
said Harrises Cleer the owld bering fecld & Keep it weli subdued five
they Ctanled the propoiilion of danil Freest:
o the propoiilion of Samutll Carter then made
Choyce of John Houghton Esq John Wilder Sr & Jaba/. Bairbank to be a
Committy to slake the hieway through plumtrccs entervail as necr where
it was first L-iyed out as they can. by the best Enformalion they can Gilt
5 tile town Granted the proposition of Caleb Sawyer & Jabaz (airbank
& Gave them liberty to set there fence upon the towns Land for the fence-
iog there Medows.
6 The town Granted a hieway in answer to the propozition of John
Prescott from his Land to the loor end of the medow Called preescots
meedow neer where the path now goes to wilt the parth called the dugway
7 Vpon the Report of a Committy sent to Tew the Land in ponacin &
Reporting that they can find but fifteen acres of Entervaill Left for Jabaz
fairbank the town voted that y^' said Jabai fairbanks should hauc thirty
acres of Land to make up said cnt<;rvait where he shall find it In Land not
yet Laycd out
i they voted that the forth devision be sospended till the ajornment
of ibis meeting and then the Moderator ajorned the Meeting to the 17 day
of fehruary Currant.
Monday February the 17: lyij/iS the town meet att the meeting liouse
and ajorned the meeting to the Last wensday of March next coming at 8
of the Clook in the Morning & also defered the forth devision till then :
& also warned a town meeting to be on the [ mouday of sd mrdi for the
Choyce of town offisers
; in the hand of John Hougl
The following records
ton, Esq., town clerk.
Monday y" 10"' of March 1717/18 The Inhabitants of Lancaster Met
at the Meeting house in order to Consider about Building y' Neck Bridge
by Night pasture: & first chose John Houghton Sen' Moderator for sd
Meeting & then Discoursed about y' Demeiissioas of sd Bridge: & con-
cluded it should have ; Trussells, & to be a foot Higher than before, to
make good buttments: & to be 13 foot wide between y posts which are to
be of sound oak & so y" Caps and braces : and to brace into y" Posts above
y° caps & Down into ye'^ Mudsells which are to he 40 foot Long & to cover
sd Bridge with good Plank or Logs, as tfacy which Build it shall count
■**
V Tire c ';'*:==* "V :.:rr
n- L*:.!** Tu:
3«--
iT-i^ rrr:: r— i t,:-iuiii w^d Lz. Jixordiag to
-r= : :". I .- ^-^-^* -: jl •uc :Li2er iLiIfe when
*=■ :^'^ iri: -^ " ...in H«iii:pr':c Sea* Josiah
1 -=rr :: -j: -i^^ m. z 11 itt faJshed at or
ur:*- '-XZ '-C T-nri -u jeiL ju Rais ii &
rr ~i - .T .-F - r.jfS;rr.c La iaL&d of John
*":I. "•V- -T>^-- ■ - jr :; i^rir: - == Tr^v:! Tier 11 j^ Meeting-
s ▼•==r* A»=-j
-*'**::r
*nc L^i'T't: "Tc!:: iza ^ :~ :■:!-:■■.:-:. :.c
^■j: j^ir :•■ res-yiLHi— oeiiows to
"* < -^ ^ ^r f ■£!:;.:ca ~^i=^ ; :r f-rr.'i I-^r-r* >Liue 3«:iT:e otjetions
a^: "Tsr "ir.r Ijl-^ .;ir ;■ inil^-vi icin:^ . iz aiT** Tic&c;" icj-o^'i cannoo
'Tr^si± -rr - -i^riv- ■ -:r:»i:;i jLisiiJi.'ciA:- In:er\'all
iri Li T.!'j Tr::: iidz -:i'" ?i:i:iLiC "ii.'S rvo a-rei for
~ *.;i.:i .1 liicai ia '"-iv* had no
iJc'v-inc* LJ-^mi- 1 1^'z-z. — : L; - . :" :.-.:'^r .:i .' S^:i-i Coxon or
itner izi±-iici-i lanii ii -::-:■ '.nzj^z _ ■::i:.: T*..r-c :r.:cr Lizd t-is Read:
7:r ie-t:ir- :ae icr=s :t:r - J^-r^r- ..:c :cri - ^;ar:ir r-.r clias Sawyer:
- iitr^s Ii ia.rti ^r 'lt:c=' ■*■:. v :_:.i :..-:m iv:~: ^ :»ilri *: 'a-Tes Ather-
-:?i i. ic'-'iar- -i.'ir iLr^r . : I'u,:.: ".-:;.:c;' ■- ^ V-ri Lv.-i?s:va. <& then
r*"* v.e I.:c:zi^~:i: *^ :«:■..: ii-j. i^i..." .-i.^-vii: ' r'. it: trees: power
^1 La' ir ^.^3i ;■■ xiic H.^T vi ■ \ :■;:": ~ n.: !«: >r.*~ 'J:~".-inieat t«>r all
V.oisne?:. L le-Ti i.:,i:j:~r-: irt-i:? ' .'.•i-.c ' :>:iJ: W'liz^ ii John
H:i:x"--:ii 'ir i TiTir.-^i : L_l :■.- ri^ivi ."-.t: .•:~:\:z inrcrvall
v. Vr-..-j^s r :i'i :> :: r : l? Li.: _ ..: ■.-...: .,i" .-. 7. v-i . :L ::ie \% ly from
Zt.r...c.z !':•:< Lr: v- : _\i-. :i:- I:-;- :>? .. -::•:. 1.'^. Jw:r=:i adccu John
r.-.K^'.-jiz iei." :: ^ ir::-- '^ . ::r _ : m- ~ . .^ ■ : : : f.. - : :t >LL:e y" liiiO
"-■t'^-T": .';!.- 1-7-*": :^< l-i_: : J. -.:.?:-: Ll.:.:. -l :.':•- =. aijo'jrncd sd
T-i-.r-i.-_. y.z-fii^ -^:._ ■ •.-:.-.: • -.-i ::-?,.: j. 1 ." Ii i.\: i: lt •:( *. '0'.K:k
:.- / ::r--:'. 1 ir.i; r. ■-..-..: -. J.i- .;- : . ,. ^- - . .= --.--:::_. :'or K(.auin^
-.f rr.r.r-t La:iii .- :-itr :: I^.:-;. -i. ^ :;■■ . : .: > zc':t>5u.r. *v '-ro'jer to
vt 1.\T.r:. .'^-i.: .:«:- ?.i -. = 1 :=<.:. 1 «: .■" >.: ~.i-:>. i~i>: \' I'ro:>ric-
v-.r- [- :" i:ii:.f: r.~- - :.- :.i 7: --.-v. .:' Lir.ca>:L-r Met at v
Mti^rir.z h.-je; -"•:- Z?u-± v-i.— _t- ■; .z :.. :-i=r :: C::^so a Clerk for
^a:': Pro^ri-i*.. : :^ :: 7.-.s:i=: j. i—t-i ::' .i N!;.::.x: :"?r v" Dividini; of sd
Corr.rr.rj': s.s »**: :':r.>. Ir. ^.l: i .jlj- -^ .. ::>j: i_T.i.r> :I:;;re:r» Mentioned:
dc zfvtr VjTT.t l7:>;:_rie ?r::tt.i-:i :: . ^''..i.r or* a M-.-derator John
H^yiZ^r.rjT. S'i r. ■ : i : ;-. _■ - i. : . : - J : -^ . 7 ' . -^ : * : -^ \ r W ; Id c r Clerk of
'-A Fro :. n *: tc, r 5 : r* -.i: I p : . . -: - : : . ^ . ,; .m .: > : : ' ■. . .- » a ,15 Sc v e ral! Propri e tors
M i s ■•! : ng the ad :r.^ - : : r^- w 15 A i : .: rr. .: -1 :.'.'. \ -ec > r* .: \\ e\: n es<Uy in May
N>xt; which would be •. 14. da v.::* ^»l:i Mjr.th oc :o meet at 12 of \*
Clock.
i*"'^ : ..
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 185
Wednesday the 14 of May 17 18 the Town met at y« Meetinghouse
according to adjornment of theire Town Meeting of y® 26 of March Last
& also upon y* account of warning given for Choice of a Representative,
& first Chose John Houghton Sen^ Moderator for sd meeting, & nextly
Chose John Houghton Ju*" Representative to serve for the yeare ensuing:
& nextly voted to have Mr Samuell Stow for a Schoolmaster for y* yeare
ensuing, begining the first Day of May Currant & to allow him 40 pound
for y* yeare : or proportionable for what time he shall Serve : & to Raise
the same by the Next Invoice, & then voted that y' 35 pound Granted or
allowed for building y* Neck bridge be Raised by y* last Invoice : & then
granted a Town Rate of 7 .. 12 .. o for Defraying of Towne charges, Viz :
5 pounds for y* Representative John Houghton Ju*" & twenty five shillings
for edmund Harress for sweeping the meetinghouse. & 12 shillings to Mr
Osgood for going after a schol master & for payment of the Assessors
6 then Granted a highway Rate of 20 pounds.
Wednesday y* 20'** of August 17 18: The Inhabitants of Lancaster
met at y* Meetinghouse upon Due warning Given, In order to give in an
Invoice of Polls & estates for y* Province Tax & other The Assesmeuts
arising in sd Town for y* yeare ensuing : & Accordingly then The Select-
men took Account of what they could obtain : & afterwards a writing sent
by Mr Prentice to be Comunicated to y* Towne was Read in which after
his Desiring the Towne to Consider his Present Circumstances & what
Need he was in of some help by the Towne he Requested that some
Addition Might be Made to his Sallerey : & after Considerable Discourse
about it : it was thought it might be better to appoint a Meeting purposly
for to Consider of it : & in y* Meantime to Request a Contribution for his
present Reliefe : & accordingly appointed or Desired John Houghton Sen"^
to acquaint y* Congregation of it the next Sabaoth Day : to Desire such
as were willing to do it that Day fourtnight ; & then appointed that Day
Month to be a Meeting for the Consideration of sd Sallery & accordingly
then y* Towne met at y* meetinghouse (being Legall warned thereto) &
first Chose John Houghton Sen*^ MoDerator for sd meeting : & after some
Discourse Relating to y* pmisses the Towne seemed Inclined to make
some Addition to sd. Sallery & some expressed theire thoughts what suiii
to Add thereto, & after some Tryall by vote, & not effecting y' matter, it
was voted whether the Town would add fifteen pounds & so make y' sd
Sallery 85 pounds a yeare which was voted in y* affirmitive upon y* Con-
sideration that Bills of Crcditt were of so Low a value : & to Continue to
be paid Anually till such time as the Creditt of them was better : or some
other Method of traffique betwixt man & man found out that might be
more Reasonable in equity to Remidy that Inconvenience : as the Town
may Consider & Conclud thereof.
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Then follow records in the hand of Joseph Wilder, pro-
prietors' clerk.
.\tay the 14 1718 the proprietors being meet alt the meetinghous In
Lancaster Capt fiances fiiUajn Keqaested sd proprietors that thejr would
appoint a Comiltie to accompanie him to &e his CUme or too acres of
Land at Wbashaconi hill which he purchased of John addamcs & n3s
Coofenned to George & frances addams by the Generall Court the loim
ID answer to sd Request voted that [ohn Hougbton Sr Capt peter JosHu
Capt Eph Wilder Ensigne James Wilder & Joseph Wilder be a Comittie
to treet with sd Capi follani in the towns behalf & to see the Land Clamed
& to do what they apprehend to be Resouable & just be tweeu him & us
the sd propriators of Laocasler: & theu ajomed the meeting to the aexl
morning to eaighl of the Cloock
In 167s " John Addam" maj gnnln] 100 aero o( land lif the Genera! COiBi, i)e-
tcnbcd as ' ^y^i at Wesbfcum nrre ilw »Hiih side of thai pooiL' The town had aha
given George Sl John Adanu in exchange fcx a twentr aoc kn on George Hill daimcd
by tbem. fa Joes Dear *Washacoinbc great StJd."
May the 15 the prt^tietors of Lancaster being meet Conclude & agree
that thme persons who have Layed out there third derision in the Stated
Common or any part there of have libertie to Lay out there Slated Com-
moo in uodevided Land & to Lay 3 acres for one Ihey.aquiiiog the Stated
Common of liie fifth derision it being a derision granted upon the SlUed
Comon
I they agree to Chuse a Comitlie to make an Equallity as to quautitie
& quallitie to every proprietor according to his Right, who shall malce his
Choycc in the Stated Common where he will layc it
3 that the Rule for the Standard be Justice Houghtons lolt Compared
in its own Qu^litie to geatber
4 they Conclude that every four pound of town Right dixw dog acre
according to that Standard
5 they Conclude that all persons who have a desier to Liy out thene
fifth derision in undevided land haue a libertie so to do & to Lay oat three
KTCS for one 5: to find it them selves & to Lay it out by the Comon Ser-
vaicis as former deiisions
6 they Conclude that if any two or mote persons shall applie them-
selves to the CoSiittie fat Servaiers for one pece of Land then it shaU be
desided by a lotl who shall injoy it & the other to make a new Choj'Ce
7 they Concluded to Chusc three men for a Coininy and then made
Oio}Tic of John Houghton S* Capt Peter Josltn & Hooker Osgood to be
the Comnutty
8 they Concluded to Leve six acres of Land for a truaing fcrid by the
Htway below Thomas Sawt^rs door to be Laycd out by the Commiuy for
that vse
F4*«L«M b*.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 187
9 they Concluded to Give Joseph Wilder 3 acres of Land in the Stated
Common att y* Walnut Swamp to Ly to gether with the Rest of his devis-
ion on sd Common which they give him leve to Lay there, He giveing the
Propriaty thre acres in the Lew there of by the Hiway neer Justice
Hough tons barn to l^y Coinon for a training feeld.
10 they Conclud that Mr John Prentice haue ten acres in the Stated
Common Layed out to him where he shall chuse the same before any other
person begin
1 1 the Conclud that the Committy begin to Lay out the stated Com-
mon the next Monday : Lastly that the forth devision be defered till the
first of Ocktober next and then to begin all the perticulers aboue sd ware
voted destinctly & caried in the affermitive.
John Houghton, Senior, was Town Clerk in 1718-19,
but the following record is in the hand- writing of his son,
Jonathan.
Monday y* 2^ of march, 1718/ 19. the Inhabitants of Lancaster meet
at y* meeting House, according to apointment in order to Choose Town
officers &c : & first chose
1 Capt Ephraim Wilder moderater for said meeting, & then next a
warrant was Read for Choice of a Grandjuror, & accordingly y' Town
was warned p Sami Willard Constable to Choose one,
2 & then y* Town proceded to y* Choice, & Chose John White the per-
son to serve on y* Grandjury for y* year ensuing.
3 the Town proceded to y* Choice of Selectmen, & Chose John
Houghton Sr. Capt Peter Joslin Josiah White Jonas Houghton Jun; &
Joseph Wilder Selectmen for y* year ensuing
4 the Town Choose John Houghton Sen. Town Clerk, & then voted
to choose assessors
5 voted & chose John Keys Joseph Wilder & Jacob Houghton Asses-
sors for y* year ensuing.
6 the Town voted & chose Daniel Rugg Jonathan Houghton & Heze-
kiah Whetcomb Constables for y* year ensuing, & then y* Laws enjoined
to be Read were Read in said meeting
In 1712 it was enacted that " the laws against drunkenness prophaneness and other
immoralities .... be solemnly read by the town clerk in each town at their anniver-
sary toun meeting in March."
7 The Town voted & chose Servaires of Highways, namely George
Glazier Jonathan More Jonathan Sawyer & Oliver Wilder.
8 The Town Chose James Wilder Town treasurer.
9 the Town Chose Josiah White & Samuel Warner Tything men
10 The Town Chose Bezaleell Sawyer & Thomas Carter fence vewers
lif ii-i: K=:\.r:n^ t(
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. igp
, 1 7 19. The copye of y* notification Lancaster April y* 29 17 19 To
the Proprietors of Lancaster Conformable to your Stated Rule for y* Gov-
erning of your Meetings these are to inform you that besides what was
left for your Consideration to y* ajornment of your Last Meeting to the
thirteenth of May next at 8 of y* Clock Caleb Sawyer proposes for a hiway
through the Land of Danil Hutson & John Freest to his Medow : it is
also desiered by severall that tne owners of y* Walnot Swamp lott be
indented with that the Hiway which Lyeth by the north entervail may
cross the sd Lott into y* new hie way marked out by the Committy which
Croseth the River neer sd Lott
Joseph Wilder Clerk
May the 13 17 19 The Rropriaters being mett upon ajornment from
the second of Feb. & first voted that the Land which Lyeth firee in the
Swan Swamp & is not yet Layed out be Stated & Staked out for a Hiway
as neer the Extent of the Bredth Proscribed in the Town Book for y*
Same as may be
2 Voted to Chuse three men as a Committy to Stake it out and then
made Choyce of John Houghton Esq"" Capt Ephriam Wilder & Mr Joseph
Wheelock to be a Committy to Stake it out
3 They took in to Consideration the proposall of Jonas Houghton
and voted to give him five shilling per day for mesoring the y* Stated
Common & those who asisted him three shillings per day : the whole
amounting to fourtie four shillings & voted to pay them in Land att four
shillings per acre
4 They Receved the Report of the Committy appointed to vew som
hiewaies proposed for & to state the bounds between the Land of Joseph
Wilder & the Swan Swamp Rode and first exsepted there Return of a
Hiway from Mordacoy to Wakapaket brook & Confermed it for a
hiway as it is marked out exsepting in the Land of James Wilder & he to
haue libertie if it be for his advantage to moue it more northward : the
Report of the Committy was as ffolloweth
Tusday April the 25 We began at the Swan swamp and Ran a
straight line from the end of Glazers Dich to a white oke Stump below
Benjamin Bellows Hous which we accounted to be the Corner and Staked
out the Same. And then Proseeded to vew the Hiway through the Stated
Common to Wakapakit Brook, and we Judge it most Conveniant that it
Run from the Entervaill up by the lott of Joseph Wilder through the land
of William Divoll Edward Hartwill Ebenezer & Edmund Harrises till it
Coms to the Corner of Joseph Wilders Land that he purchased of Jabaz
fairbank & then Runing Round sd Corner of Joseph Wilder through the
Land of John Warner & then Croses a Corner of Joseph Wilders Land
to the Land of James Wilder & through that to the Land of Josiah
Wheeler & through to the Land of Josiah Wheeler to the side of Gateses
Land & so through a pece of Common Land to Bellowses Corner being
Li"^ :ur lit: iie- :hc
: -= : i 1. ■» r;=^r-_: ;ur ▼«:; i-ue icccri::i;£:T cone
.^^ -T * IHT s ".it.-: a H'lCGHT'^s this Ritcrn was
•t - •- ;.-, ■. l.i::.."u>r«- -:e?e "n^-' ij^rcme voo that the things
- - - ..-.■: - . ..- :-:- Tie-:!::^ itlz :i:e frs: of Febniin'ricxt are
: : - • .^ - '.icT.;; jjI'I ." :s«9C Hutch: as tor a hi«ay to
-■-• V - •.- :-.-::v- i,.i5a:i: :rent:? ilso rhe said Atherton
X. ...->■• :■ >^: ■ : ; ; ; >. :■- fzi-trriLl n-i Coz^aiaacy belonging to
:~, -.^- ■: : -i -;■':- it: i^: -Ji-t secrzi ie vision Land of William
I c . .< -, - - ^ .■•-j<<'i. I rj.- :e T-: -co- Record there being non as
\e: :; .-t ■ . - : .: :;- -:i rr-.-.c^iirz also oi Elias Sawjer for the
lis-. ::- "i: J":t -■: .it: •- - -• -s fiiher purchesed of Capt Kerley
n\i. . ;r K::.-.:^! i:::-::.^^ :: :.:<* iszurc of said deed January the 15
i;-!.; c," Joseph Wilder CUrk
I.wrASTF?. Fe7-^2-; :-e :>: :-:o 2c at: a meeting, of the proprieters
lirst iiKuie Ch.\. ce ?:" ':■,::.: f.i^.-'z xi'si for a Moderator and then in the first
pl.uv ilr.intov: a ?.\x\\ \:> ":r>:k r.-.^ow i the medows ajasant in answer
ti> ilu' iMop<^7i;ion or" Joshua A:her:on & Joseph Hutchins towit to pinhill
.111(1 to a medow of aaror. WiliarJ and a medow called pollopod and down
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- r?!?.
191
the west siiie of brook medow lill ii com to the Ijind of John VVillard and
then made Choyce of Capt Wilder Josiah White and Joseph Wilder to be
71 Coinmitty to Lay il out thrc Rods in wedth and make Report to the
propriete
2 They Granted Ihe I'ropozition of Joshua Atherton Refering to His
Entervaill and the Land that was William Leweses
3 They Recevetl and Exsepted ihe Return of a Hiway att y* barehill
MedowH of a Coinmitty to witi John Wilder Jonas Houghton & Jacob
Houghton which was as foUoweth Lancaster May ihe 15"' 1719 we
John Wilder Jonas Houghion & Jacob Houghton being chosen a Com-
mitty to Lay out y* waies from y' Randevo tree to the Medows down that
Brook as also up ilie Brook to John Sawyers and from [hence to y" med-
ows alt y" North East Corner of the Town as it is now staked out and
marked. Wee have accordingly don y" same: and for what Land we haue
taken from John Sawyer att his Hous place for y" benifit of sd Hiwaj' we
haue alowed to him two acres of Land on the west side y' Brook below
his house provided he Leve Room for a Conveniant Hiway between said
Land and the Hill on the west side of the same. Jonas Houghton
Jacob Houghton
this Return was Eiciepted and Confermed by a vote, and then y meet-
ing was ajorncd Id y* second Monday of March next :
Joseph Wilder Clerk
A COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION.
To ihe l^roprieters of Lancaster these are to notifie you of what may
be laied before you all Ihe ajbrnment of of your February Meeting upon
the second Monday of March next att eaighl of the Cloock, lowiii the
Proporition of Hooker Osgood for a Hiway betwixt the Lott of Justice
Houghton which was Hulchsons and his own and so in to y' wods and for
alowance for what he has wrought in said way and also for a small slip of
Land by Ihe minesteeriall medow upon Certain Conditions as may be then
offered; also llie Propozilion of Josiah White for a Record of the Hous
Lott which he now lives upon and also Several! otiier peces of Land laye'd
out to his Grandfather John White which there can be no Record found
of: and ihat he may haue libertie to make a new Record of a pece of Land
att the bare Hill according to a piatt Lately taken of it : the old Record
being so dark thai it is not so Inteilegable as he desiers Ebeneier Wilder
also for Ihe Icnpound Due to him from the Town that He wilt take il in
Land if the Proprietie se meet : also ihe propozition of Josiah Wheeler
that a Hiway through y' Land of Sumner and Townsend might haue ihe
marks Renewed Townsend also desiers that the hiway may be remoued
in his Land for his better Conveniancy ; also that the hiway betwixt ihe
Justices feeld and the Rooty hill might be marked out and layed so as
might be most Conveniant Lastly the propoiityon of Jonas Houghton
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725.
^93
Laokaster old bounds, [hence runing a line three miles giving the allow-
ance of aboute one rod in thirty, for Swagg of chaine & uneven ground,
upon a N West point according lo a true meridian, at the end of which
line we where two hundred & thirty rods from the Kachcwaiunck Pond,
spoken of in afores'' CoiTilttees report as passing along by.
2""' At the end of the three miles we made an anyle runing a line
(six miles & a hundred rods w"' the allowance as afores'') S. West erosing
the North river & over some of the monosek hills untill we met w^ the
middle br.inche of Nashanay river : thence making ihe land five miles,
two hundred and eighty rods wide, and where without the tree spoken of
in the report (so marked by the Indians for a S. West corner) aboute three
hundred rods. Thus finding a disagreement between the lines and points
given and things mentioned as bounds in y' report of y* afores^ CoiSlttee
for in runing the two lines mentioned we came not near y" pond & other
bounds, but leaving out the quantity of a Thousand five hundred & twenty
three acres, and likewise taken in at the S. West corner ttvo thousand
acres w''' Lankaster men claim not. Likewise considering where that re-
port speaks of but two lines. He that runs by the bounds must of
necessity make four or five lines all w"'> things makes thes bounds & y*
points with their length of lines impassible to reconcile. And being
directed In our ord' to have regard to y* lines & bounds mentioned in y*
afbrea'' Cofnittees report : We therefore make our re[X)rt as above men-
tioned leaving it lo this Hon"* Court to determine as they in their wis-
Remainlng in SubmlsEion.
Peter Rice
W1LJ.1AM Ward i
[Mnsmchusetts Archives, cxil], 649-50.J
• Comiltft
A Petition ol the Inhabitants of L.-incasler and Proprietors of Lands
purchased of George Tahanlo an Indian Saggamore &c r Shewing, that
whereas the General Court did in the year 1713 make a Grant and Confir-
mation of the said Lands to them as it was set forth and described in the
Report of a Committee sent by the Court to View and Lay out the Same,
That in the year 1720 A vole was pass'' for altering the Bounds of the
said Land. In which Vote it is asserted That the people of Lancaster did
not fairly and Truely, represent their Bounds and the Lines of their old
Township, They are ready to prove by the affidavits of Two of the said
Committee (which consisted of but three persons) That their Lines were
truely and faithfully run, and therefore praying that this Court would Con-
firm to them The Grant of the sd Land as m.ide in the year 1713.
1711. In the House of Representatives Jan i^"' 1721.
Whereas this Great and General Court did at a Session held al Boston
the 29"' of May 1713 pursuant lo a Report of Cpt Jonathan Prescotl
■ TTTeiudisiPE any
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735.
their doings to this Court at their next Session. In Council read and
concurred Consented to Sam"' Shute
[MassachusMis Records.]
Marcii The 14"' 1720 The Propriety being Meet first voted that Elias
Sawyer haue lebertie to Lay out and Enter to the E.slate of William Ker-
ly S' The Conveniance belonging Said Kerlj's estate in the place where
he now Games it or elswherc not infrenging upon fonner Records : this
was voted and Caried in the afFcrmitive
2 it was put to vote whether Josiah White haue Lebertie to make a
Record of his Land at the Barehill according to a plat then presented
taken by Jonas Houghton Sirvaier and was Caried in y* affermitive
3 it was put IQ vole whether Josiali White liaue I.*ber[ie to Record
his Hous Loll and Interval] Lott according to y' Grant of them and also
the Second Uevislon of Intervalll and upland where it is now Clamed ac-
cording to IheSeverall Devision(s] to the Estate of John White hlsGrand-
gither not enfrenging upon former Records and it was Caried la the
aAermilive
4 They made Choyce of Jabaz Fairbank Nalhanil Sawyer and Samuell
Carter to be a Committy to vew a hiway proposed for by Hooker Osgood
and a hiway up 10 wacapacit hill and a hiway to Wonksacoxet Hill and if
they lind them nesesary for the benifit of the Town to mark them out and
Make Report to The Propriety and also to mark out a Hiway to Whasha-
com all Redy^ Granted of four Rods wide and make a Returne here of
that it may be put upon Record
5 They Granted Jonas Houghton S'' Six or Seaven acres of Land
upon the top of the Southermost Vans Hill for to Sattlsfie him for nine
dayes work don at the bulding of a Bridge over the North River Neer Mr
Osgoods
6 They voted that Left John Houghton En' James Wilder and Josiah
Wheelor to be a Committy to markout a Rode or Hiway from Marlburow
Rode lo four mile brook and also lo moue the Hiway by Towsenda if it
be Conveniant and also from Justice Houghtons to Wadaquadock ; and
then ajorned the meeting to y* 18 of may next
May y* 18"' 1720 The Proprieters being Meet att the Meeting Hous
I Herd an acount trom a Committy sent out to vew som Hiwaies pe-
lisoned for on the west side of the River and voted to give said Commity
Power to mark out said wales and give the accounpl of them to the Propri'
etrs Clark that they may be Recorded and that they also take an account
of what, and how much said waies Takes of from perteculer mens Land
and what they shall be alowed there for per acer in undevided Land to be
Layed out to them as other lands in the Town The Committy being Jab-
az Fairbank Nathanil Sawyer & Samuell Carter ; Reserveing a Saveing for
jtgreved Persons to applye them Selves to the Propriety for Remidy Said
lexer Wilder may be payed the Debt which he Ciameth of the Town
if Land; Is what is ofereri to your Consideration upon your next anual
ieting on February the sixth nex Coming
Joseph Wilder CUrk
meeting February the sixth 1730 31 first made Choyce of Jabaz
Krbanks Moderator of Said Meeting
They Granted the Request of Capt Peter Joslin Refering to a
mWay in Quasaponacan in the Remoueal of it from the medow side to
where it might be moor Conveniant
3 tbey so far granted the Propozition of David Whetcomb and John
Prescott lliat if there bounds Cannot be found they may Lay out said
fourty acres as ncer wliere it wiis before as may be Si make a new Record
of it ; it being Read before the proprete as other Lands
4 Vpon the proposition of Josiah Wilder and Joseph atherton They
made Choyce of Capt Ephriam Wilder Josiah White and Joseph Wilder
to marke out said wales as far as to y' Town line
5 The Proposition of Josiah Wheelor was Read but he not appeaering
it was defered
6 The Propozition of John Ilenit was voted & pased in the negative
7 upon the Propoiition of Josiah While to pay Ebenezer Wilder in
Land : Jabaz lairbank entered his desent ; and then y* Question was put
whether the Propriety will grant Ebcnezer Wilder Seventy thre acres & a
half of Land for Said Deljt which he Ciameth as due to his father for
work don for the Town in fincshing a Minesters Hous ; being fourteen
pounds fourteen shillings & threepence : and it was Caried in y" Efermitive.
Z it was put whether he shall haue it Layed in two or in three peces ;
and the vote Caried in the Afiermitive for two peces
8 they Receved a Report of a Committy to wit of Left John Hough-
ton and Josiah Wheelor viz :
Here a blank was led tor ihc rccotd, wliicli was never set down.
Lastly they ajorned tlie Meeting to the first Mimday in March next
Coming and from thence to y* Eight of Said Month and from thai to llie
Z4 of May in 1721 A Copy of what was further brought in to said meet-
ing upon llie ajornment To the Proprietors of Lancaster These to Give
Notice that James Kcyes and Jeremiah Holman proposs for a Convcnant
Hiway to where they Live James Wilder for the Exchange of a small
slip of Land for som moor Conveniant for a hiway Thomas Wilder for tlie
^mouall of the hiway that is betwixt his hous and the hous of Thomas
Tookers sum what neerer the River, Henry WUlard for a Hiway to the
Flumtrecs may the 4 1721.
Joseph Wiujer Clark of tki Propriety
The following record is in the hand of Jonathan Hough-
ton, son of the Town Clerk :
Wednesday y* 22d of March 1720/21, the Town meel at j"" meeting
House according 10 due warning given in order to choose Select men. a
Town Clerk, & to chose Assessois if y" Town see cause, it appering that
some persons voted in y' former meeting that were not duly Quallified lo
vote, & also to consider & act what may be necesary to be done about
Swine going at Large.
1 the Town voted & Chose John Houghton Sr moderator.
2 the Town voted to Chose five Selectmen, & accordingly Chose John
Houghton Sr Jabez birbank Josiah White Capt Ephraim Wilder & Ensign
James Wilder Selectmen for y year ensuing.
3 the Town Chose John Houghton Sr Town Clerk
4 the Town voted lo Choose Assessors, & accordingly Chose James ]
Wilder John White & John Houghton Jun As-sessors for y" year ensuing.
May the 24"' 1711 upon ajomment from the 8 of March Last past
1 In answer to the Propoiition of James Wilder The Propriety Grant
him Leberly to Record a small slip of Land which he hath already Layed
out and Red before The Propritey which Lyelh in y* Swan Swamp upon
the Consideration that he Lay down tlie like Quantity to Enlarge the
Hiway that Runes through the hed of his Entervail Lott neer y" River as
be most accomadable for the Hiway tliis was put to vole and Caried ia the
Effermitive
2 Vpon the Revivall of Josiah Wheelors proposition they Granted a
Committy to vew and Lay out a Hiway lo Hog Sivamp if they think fit
and Convenian and mak Report lo the Propriety at sum other meeting the
Persons chosen were Cpt Ephriam Wilder John Wilder and Josiah White
3 They also voted that y' same Committy should vew the Hiway pro-
posed for by James Keyes and others and make Report of that likewise
1723. The Return of one of said Hiwaies Lancaster June y* first &
26 1722. Where as we the subscribers namely John Wilder Josiah White
and Ephriam Wilder are a Committy to vew and Lay out a hiway from
Jonath Moors to Hogswamp medoweswe haue bin upon the spot the dayes
aboue dated and proseeded as followeth we began at said hog swamp
medow and marked trees on the west side of Said way to sd moorses ; we
Ran through the Land of Josiah Wheelor fourty Rods through the Land
of Jonathan Moors three hundred and fourty Rods and through the Land
of Jabaz fairbanks one hundred Rods and in the Land of John moors tMo
Rods the other part of said Hiway Lyeth in Common Land the Committy
JoBN Wilder Josiah White Ephriam Wilder said ways was Exsept
to be three Rods wide Exsept where it Cross y* medow of Jabez fairbank
4
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1715.
199
A COPY OF THE NOTIFICATION FOR THE MEETING 1721/32
These May Serui' to Qotifie the Proprietors of Lancaster that Capl
Samuel Willard propounds for a hiway to pass in to the Conlery Rode to
Boslor) : Henry Willard propounds for a hiway Id the plumtrees so Called
Josiah White for a Hiway to y" new Sawmill upon the North River Gam-
aliel Bcman for a hiway straight to where he now Lives Last by Justice
HoQghtan Requested that he may haue som alowancc made him for the
second devision of Entervail of Danil Gains if he cannot haue it where it
was Granted him by the Town aboue the Red Spring up the North River ;
is what is 10 be layed before you at your meeting February the 5 1721 /22.
January the ig"" 1721/22 Joseph Wilder Clerk
Februar)- the 5"' 1721/22 att a meeting of the Proprietors att y' meet-
ing Hous first Made Choyce of James Wilder Moderator for Said Meeting
2 In answer to the Propoiition of Capt Samuell Willard The Propriety
made Choyce of a Commilly to vew said way and se where it may be most
accomodable to Serve the publick and make Report to the proprietey in
order 10 haue it alowed and then made Choyce of Hooker Osgood Eben-
e*er Wilder S Jonathan Houghton to be the Commilty.
3 In answer to the propozition of Henry Willard they voted that
Capt Wilder Josiah White and Jose|)h Wilder be a Conimitty to vew sd
way and make Report to the propriety
4 they voted to chmeaCommitty to vew the Hiway propounded for by
Josiah While and make Report to the propriety Sl then Made Choyce
of Jabai Fairbank Capt Peter Joslin &. Capt Ephriam Wilder to be the
Committy :
5 Jeremiah Wilson personally appeered before the Propriety and de-
clared that he freely delivered up to the Town or propriety a Small Slip of
Land Round y' west Corner of a dich Called Broad Medow Dich between
that and the fut of broad medow Hill so much as may be accomodable for
a hiway in that place
6 Refering to the Request of John Houghton Esq ; they made Choyce
of James Wilder Jonas Houghton Ju & Ebenezer Wilder to niesuer the
Eniervaill Lot of Danill Gaines down Penecuck River to see if it be not
aJredy Layed out neer that towlt his Second Uevision of IntervaiU and
make Report to the Propriety, & Then they ajorned the Meeting to the 5
day of march next Coming to three of the Clock in the after noone ;
Joseph Wilder CUrk
March y fifth the propriety meet and adjomed to the twenteth of
Said March. March y" twenteth 1722 The propriety being meet first
Granted to Capt Samuell Will.ird a Hiway that Run through a part of
Broad Medow for and in Consideration of a pece of Land Given up to
y* Town by Jeremiah Wilson to be a hiway in Lew there of Round -f Cor-
ner of y* sd Broad Medow betwixt that and the hill
200
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
a Thev EiLsepied the ReturDes of Severall Hiwaies of the Coinniitl];^
appointed to vew and Lay Ibetii out lo wit of the Contery Rode to Grotoa
brought in by Cpl Wilder Josiah White and Joseph Wilder as foUoweth
February y* 9 1721/32 Then pressed on sd Service first begaoat y* north
line of Lancaster Township and marked a small white oke tree, and from
thence to a while oke neer y* Corner of Selh Walkers Land from thence
to a stump by the side of sd Walkers fence from thence to y* Corner
of Walkers northermosl Lolt from thence lo y" Corner of Samiicll
Rogetses Land & so along upon y' hed of that Loll to y" Corner of
y* Land of Henry Willard to a Chesnul tree from thence lo a Red oke
neer y* brow of y* hill and so lo a Walnut in the Riseing of y Hill
and from thence to a black oke at y' bottom of Said Hill from thence
to a Rock a gainst Henry Willards barn and so bareing y* brelh of
five Rods to y' Eastward of all y' afore sd marks and so bateing the
same wedih though betwiit y" Walls of Josiab WilLird as marked
out and so along upon y* beds of the Lots of Hezakiab an Joseph
Witlard baring y' bredth of five Rods to y' est from there fences as they
now stand till ill Corns 10 y' Corner of Joseph Willards Loti from thence
made an angle Runing 10 a small While oke bush standing in Joseph
Willards hedge from iheuce to a white oke tree from that to a heep of
Stons upon Hciakiah Willards Land makeing an angle Runing a Cross
the Loll of Jonathan Willard from a heep of Stons to a small black oke
from thence to y" Corner of Cpt Willards wall sd way Lying live Rods
wide to the East ward or Sow esl of all y aforesd marks & so through
bclwix y" wall of Capt Samuel Willard and John Willard bareing y* same
wedlh to y* South Easl Comer of Capt Willard wall & then with a
straight line to a small white oke marked al a Rock where y former Com-
iDiliy Left marking the way Lying to the Sow east of sd line and also
marked a Rode from sd Rode down the north side of Jonathan WUIard
lott to j' hed of y" loll of Joseph alherton of three Rods Wide sd Rcium
was Ensepled by a vole Exscpting at Capting Willards at his Request it
was alowed to gndown ner his hous he promasing to Leve the hiway Ihce
Wider by Consederable then five Rods
Joseph Wilder Cleri
The to»d hat (katribtd is
In ilie iDwn of Han'aid.
3 of a biway lo y* mill up y* North River whid) was as fbOoweih.
LancasKr February the 14 i73</2 Whereas We namely Peter Jodin
jabax birbank & Ephrtam Wilder are appointed a Commitiy to Lay out »
hiway to David Whetcombs Land upon the North Riven We haue bin
upon y* Spot and haue Laj-cd out a hiway from the Hiway that Goeth to
Bcnits turn a Cross to Whetcombs Land and haue marked the trees Upon
y* north side of said way y* way Lying through Latauccs Land *-*^^'"g
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725-
from him one acre of Land sd way for y* moat part being two Rods Wide
but where it Joyns lo Whetcoms Land il is five Rods Wide.
Joseph Wiluer C/eri
The terminus of this road was al the site lately occupied
by the American Shoeshank Company's factory. Here
the Whitcomb family had a mill for many years.
3 a hiway pelislioned for by Capt WiMard a Report there of was made
by Hooker Osgood Ebeneier Wilder and Jonathan Houghloo who in-
formed the propriety that they judged the sd way Should goo by David
Whelcombs & so in to the bay Rode & that it should leve GroatOQ Kode
al y" South side of Joseph Hutchinses lott and to l^un along by y' sd
Hutchinses lott till it Came over )'" brook at Round medow Joseph Hutch-
ins allso appeercd and offered y" Propriety to Give so much Land as would
be nesesary for y" Hiway in that place according to y' Report of y* Com-
milty; but at y" Re[(3iiest] of Thomas Houghton the way was Granted
by his door & was to l<ye South of his hous so far as that y* north side
of y' way should be thre Rods from his door and said way was Exsepted
and Confermed to be three Rods Wide exsept where it pases through y'
Land of Jacob & Henry Houghton and there to be but two Rods Said
Committy Reports that they began to marke at y* Land of Thomas
Houghton and ran through it by his hous sixty seven Kuds & a half and
through Ephriam Houghions Laud sixty four Rods & through Edward
Houghtons Land 100 Rods and through James athertons Land fourly
six Rods and through Jacob Houghtons l^nd fourty five Rods and throu
the Land of Jacob Houghton & Henjamin Athertons Land nlnty eight
Rods and ilien it Ran upon Common Land till it Croses the Rude that
pases lo barehill February y' 25 we began at barehill Rode and went
through y' Land of Jacob Houghton Seventy Rods and through y" Land of
Henry Houghton by his hous eighty two Rods and llien we Ran in Com-
mon till we Come to the L.and of Hczakiah Whitcombes in his Land we
Ran on hundred and twelve Rods through the Land of David Whitcombs
twenty Eight Rods and then we ran in Common Land and in Land of
David Whitcomb & y" Hairs of John Whitcomb Deccsed In which there
was atowance made for a hiway in y' Laying out of said Land : and then
we Ran through a small Corner of y' Land of Nathanil HapGood in to y*
Bay Rode, then we began at the Bay Rode neer Joseph Sawyers and
marked a hiway a Cross to y* afore sd Rode and it Corns in to y" aboue
said Rodeaboughl eighteen Rods firom David Whiicombs barn and y*said
David whetcomb is satisfied for y' Damage it doth to him if he may haue
the old Rode which "was formerly Layd out behind his feeld all which was
Confermed by a vole, sd Report was Signed HoOKER Osgood Eben-
EZBR Wilder Jonathan Houghton
Entered upon Record by Joseph Wilder C/k
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
note that y* Hiway through David Whetcomba Land is to be but two
Kods wide— then the meetin was ajorncd to y* third Wednsday in May
The next record was written by Jonathan Houghton, son
of the Town Clerk.
March y' 5"? I72r /2, the freeholders & other Inhabitaiils of Lancaster
Duly Quallified, meet logelher it being iheir anuall meeting for Chuice of
Town officers &c:
1. The Town Chose Capi Ephraini Wilder moderator for said meci-
ing.
2. The Town Chose William Sawyer Grand Juror for y' year ensuing,
then y* Selectmen gaue y' Town an account of what they had done as to
Reconing with Mr Prentice, & then examined who were voters in choice
of Town officers.
3. The Town Chose five Selectmen namely John Houghton Sr Capt
Ephraim Wilder Jabez ffairbank Josiah White & James Wilder.
4. The Town Chose John Houghton Town Clerk for y" year ensuing
5. The Town Chose thre Constabels namely John Johnson Uezelcel
Sawyer & John Willard.
6. The Town Chose Henry Willard & Joseph Stone Tything men.
7. The Town Chose Samuel Rogers Sr Joseph A therlou William Divol
Nathaniel Wilder & James Snow Servairs of Highways.
S. The Town Chose James Wilder Town Treasurer.
9. The Town Chose James Alherton & Amos Sawyer fence vewers.
10. The Town Chose John Prescott Benjamin Wilson Daniel Hough-
ton and Ebenezer Harries Hawy^rds
11. The Town Chose Thomas Carter Sealler of Leather,
The following memorandum from an old account book
of the first Judge Joseph Wilder, lately presented to the
public library by Benjamin F. Wyman. gives the name of
the Grammar School teacher in Lancaster 1721-22, and
the money value at which his services for the year were
estimated.
Delivered and payed to Mr Edward Broughton March y 14 1721 /sz for
Keeping Scool six pounds liue shillings.
Moore In August y sum of fiue shillings by Ebene;er Wilder const, O., S--o
on a note answered by Josiah Willard 3.. 18. .6
on a note to Mr dickenson o.. 3. .6
on a note to Be^aleel Sawyer o. 5.8
MASSACHUSETTS, 1643- 172;.
203
a note to Elias Sawyer 0.8.0
Upon two RecepLi to Jonas Houghton Constable 3.0.6
Reconed with Mr Edward Broiighton October y" as"" 1722
Remains Dew lo y' said Mr Broughlon 7—6 — 10 for his years Scooljng.
iliillings tor llie year's salary.
May the sixteenth 1723 the propriety Iwing meet in answer to the Pro-
posilon of S^imuel Warner it was voted that a Committy be Chosen to
vcw the hiway propounded for and if they shall think it needfull To Lay
out a Hiway betwix the Land of Jonas Houghton and Jonathan Sawyer
as they shall think meet and make Report to y* next meeting in order lo
its being cxsepted
2 they voted that the same Committy vew what Damage is don to
aboue said Land of Jonas Houghton that was hutsons by a hlway Laid to
Barchill medows and how much of y* ajasani Land out to be alowcd for a
Recompence the Commitly Chosen was Jabaz Fairbank Capt Samuell
Willard 5: Jacob Houghton
3 they then Granted Elias Sawyer five acres of L.and upon a brook
Called Kerlys Brook for lo make up the Conveniancy of Henry Kerly &
William
4 The Return of a Committy apointed to meaure the Lot of Danil
Gains we y Subscribers mcsured the Lott of Danil Gains or thai which
was soposed to be it and tind betwixt sum mark trees and Snows Enter-
vaill Lott and betwixt the Little piece and sum Entervaili Land of Eben-
ezer Wilder and lind it to be about sixteen acres.
James Wilder \
Ebenezer Wilder \ Committy
Jonas Houghto.n Ju )
An account of a hiway Laid out from y" Town tine beyond Wacapacit
and went through the Land of Hooker Osgood on hundred and fifty Rods
and through the Land of Justice Houghton fifty Rods and then through
Hooker Osgoods land ninty four Rods and then through the Land of Sam-
uell Carter one hundred Rods. jABAz fairbank Natiianil Sawyer
SamueLi. Carter Committy this Return was Exsepled and said Hiway
Confermed ; and an aquevelant Granled lo the Persons aboue named to
wit to Hooker Osgood two acres for one to Justice Houghton deto to
SiUnuell Carter an acre and half in lew of one.
This is the re
'ickapekel Brook at Iht Phelps Mill.
February y" 2* 1721 Laid out another hiway we began at the end of a
hiway that Goeth up between the Lots of Nathanil Wilder and Oliver
Wilder and Ran through Nathanil Wilders Land fifty four Rods and
through the I-.and of Oliver Wilder eighty eight Rods and through Jona-
than Wilders Land twenty six Rods and through Nathanil Hapgoods Land
X ■■ A -
XxiCB inn :ir i i i rr Zranil 5 .123= l^zc ins-
'.uia i'miai't ian 1*7 I-iui nir : :n -=s 3.jcs ttuc i»' Jl*iAZ failuuck
iiii^ LfaiT^a inn >.«.-^.fc-»Z- r.x v _iJ. 1 linmnirr . lie Aibooe
3 Tiarg*?T lui.
iv <5dt:
■nir.- ixut iia ■nmi "ne ~jti: :f ":rr.;"T^rL 'ti'i^zr szzj lar-* 5w:*5 &ad
ii^r-L hut. ~ ±3sz I t~ii.t vs. Nirxjijc ^*
laii'-is: :f Iszn "^Iiiifsr M:cis:iiL:r sni: ruta r»sc3-rrs£
"^u^lliT^ Liii *.-:::•: r-ii*i r:^t lie L'vn' J^rzhrccccn J*r : " fh&ziiJiZ Wirzer
5»:c!a T¥: J^nii "^xjc vxjlji ?-i:i:r: vis J:ii.Timec ;ti: aoiti iciT Grxzirfi
imr fnni-; -v:;!::: v:i.e5' v-i> Z-i^^i-c-^ uu. J^i^uTr^ i: :e rrr^ir* Rxis in
^*-in u^Sit^.r Y-ztiTt z -.-:s*f< ire ttco: v r \ u-ii r-L^:.Lit> .1 izc ii«re
1: :e III" zhk. 5^:1! i-iii I :^r ::.s*: .-c 1 : v.i "irim^i: H^i't'j-s jluc
"STiiiii^'-s. wi Mil ij. :j x«: i^i.iiii ■.i:-:cic-: i:e 1-l::c re _':5fiii Wbeelor
nrruit ne ' jtii :f ':.:.; "**_■.!-- ,— : :_:i;riri i-ic rw***- "i S.rc5 :hrc*c^h
Ji3ies riners liiii rv: .v:oi :r.-:ii^: ire ~.:7li :r '::?«••:«*: SjL"»7«r oa
TnTiTS'i iTi: irr- 3.«:r ?!.:»::> 5ki.'i »i r,- :«: i:.*:?* x-C:? "W'.oe Siic wa%-
CxtJt.~ Si^-s ii ■' rr.cii : "A :.-::»; v :>:l"-: r.- r.sac> lie 'rr:oi whtre it
-- i.Ti: riecL t.* J.iz ^»: ¥i :re :r,xii lerir ue s;-c rcci iZ :: Cocns
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
205
3 The propriety made alowances to the Several! persons about said
for what damage they had Recevd by said way as followeih to Jabaz Fair-
baohs at y' Law or proportion of two acres and a half in the Lew of one,
to John Wilder two acres for one, to James Wilder one acre and half for
one, to Joseph Sawyer acres for acre, then the meeting was ajorned to y*
iS of sd February.
A COPY OF NOTlFrcATlON FEHRUARY Y' 4 1722/3
These may nolific the propriety of Lancaster that Jonath moor Re-
quests that the Conlery Rode or Hiway from Marlburough may Run by
his door in to Hog swampl Rode. 2 Heiakiah Whetcomb for a hiway
to the hay Rode from the hiway propounded for by Capt Willard Sev-
erall persons for alowance for damage for hiwaies Jos Wilds and Richard
Wilds that the Last halfe of y" 4 devision may he Granted
Febrewary the iS'*' 1722/3 the Propriety being Meet first they Granted
the propoiition of Jonathan Moor to wit that y' Contery Rode to Marl-
burrotigh be Remoued from the north side of his orchard and to pass
through betwixt his hous and his new Barn to y' hiway lliat goeth to hog
swamp and to be five Rods wide.
a they voted upon the proposition of Hezakiah Whelcomb that y*
Committy apijointed to vew the hiway proposed by Capt Willard to wit
Mr Osgood Ebenezer Wilder and Jonathan Houghton vew )■■ same and
make Report to y" propriety when they Report Conseming the other
3 ihey Granted to James Wilder three acres in Lew of on for what
was taken of off his Land by a hiwaj to wacapacet : to Joseph Wilder &
Edmund harris four acres in Lew of one and so proporsonablely
4 they voted that Mr Osgood &c mark out the hiway ask[ed] for by
Capt Willard and take an account of what it takes from every man that it
Runs through iiis Land and make Report to y* next meeting
5 upon the proposition of Richard Wilds they voted thai it be defered
till J" next meeting and then the meeting was ajorned lo thai day month
A COPY OF THE NOTIFIECATION TO V" PROPRIETIE OF
LANCASTER
these may serue lo nolifie you that Josiah Wheelock desiers that the
hiwav [through] his Land to pine hill may be Remoued further north and
thai ii may be but two Rods wide William Sawver Desiers alowance for a
hiway that goetli through his Land Jonas Houghton that James Keyes
may be appointed lo Lay out Land in y" old Township it is also desiered
that all persons who hauc bin damnified by hiwaies going through there
Land would bering in there accounts in order lo there being alowed
.frT^
208 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
to y* Selectmen for making Rates in 1723 towit to Joseph Wilder 1-4-6
Josiah White 10-2
John White 9-0
Samuell Carter 10 - o
Ebenezer Wilder 12-4
to Nathan Hawood for two wind frames for y* meeting hous 3 - o
to Edward Hartwill for to make up what his province List was
Les than his warrant 15-0
to the Committy for y* bridge 30j^- 0-0
to John Prescot for plank 14-6
loi - ro-6
j^2 - 5 - 3
Lancaster february i8**» 1723/4 then Rekoned with Deacon Joseph
Wilder Mr Samuell Carter : Mr Josiah White & Mr Ebenezer Wilder ;
Selectmen for the Town of Lancaster : & the Subscriber hath Received
the wholl of his Sallery till July ist 1723. John Prentice
Sd Receipt entered as above being a true Copy May the I2*>» 1724.
p John Houghton Town CUrk
Lancaster March 2 1723/4 The Inhabitants of sd Lancaster met at
y* Meeting House in sd Towne according to appointment & notice Given
to be the Publick Anniversary Meeting for Choyce of Town officers &c :
1 & first Chose Jonathan Moore Moderator for s^ Meeting : & then
the Selectmen Gave Some account of what they had Done as to making
of Rates : & particularly Had Reconed with Mr Prentice who is Cleercd
till y" first of July 1723 as by his Receipt as above entered
2 & next voted that the Late Select men do Give in a faire account of
theire Proceedings in the Towns affaires the Last yeare unto y* Next
Selectmen that may be Chosen to Succeed as Selectmen in sd Town
3 next voted to Choose 5 Selectmen & accordingly Chose Joseph Wil-
der; Josiah White; Jonathan Houghton; ebenezer Wilder & Samuell
Carter Selectmen to serve for the year ensuing
The above record, left incomplete, is in the hand of John
Houghton, as also is the next.
1724. Munday y« 1 1*** of May 1724 The free Holders &c: of y* Town
of Lancaster met at y* Meetinghouse in sd Town In order to Choose a
Representative according to Due warning Given, & after the Reading of
the Precept & y* Laws Relating to sd affaire, votes were called for & Givep
in & then John Houghton Sen*" was Chosen Representative for sd Town of
Lancaster: to serve at y** Generall Court according as specified in sd
Precept.
fix : A
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
209
August 1734. The Selectmen of Lancaster are allowed to enter their
caution against Robert Darby, Moses Chaodler & his wife with three child-
ren, Barnnrd Twoells, Sarah Hubbard and Mary West being Inhabitants,
they having been warned to depart the said Tuwn as pr their caution on
Ale.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
A COPY OF Y' NOTIFICATION FOR Y' MF.ETING FEBRUARY
Y'j'' 1723/4
ihe warning being Taken away there Remains only a breef account of
the things propounded for to wit Thomas Wilder propounded for a hiway
from the Road by his lious to y Hous that was Robert Houghtons ju
decesed John Warner for a hiway from Caleb Sawyers to his Hous Jon-
athan Whitney and Jonathan Crouch for a hiway from where they Live to
y* Hous of Danil Preest Decesed John Darbey for Som alowance for a
hiway Taken Through y° Land he purchassed of John Willard. Josiah
Witlard also mosoned that Sum alowance be made him and Joseph Alher-
ton for damage by a hiway into y° plumtrees
Lancaster February the 3'' 1723/4 the propriety meet and first made
Choyce of John Houghton Esq' Moderator for Said meeting and then
Granted a Committy for to vew two liiwayes propounded for, to wit one
by John Warner and the other !iy Jonathan Whitney &c. and to mark out
the same if ihey think them needfull and to Report to y' propriety the
place of there Lying and also y' Quantity of Land they Take from any
Land Ihey may Run through and Likewise y" Quatlity thereof
2 They made Choyce of Jacob Houghton Caleb Sawyer & Jonas
Houghton to be y* Committy
3 ihey voted that y Same Committy vew what Damage John Darbey
Sustaned by a hiway that is Laid through y Land he purchassed of John
Willard & what lie ought to be alowed therefor and also what Josiah
Willard and Joseph Alherton ought to be alowed for the hiway Crossin
their Entervaill in to y plumlreea
4 they made Choyce of James Wilder Jonathan Houghton & Eben-
eier Wilder to be a Committy to vew the hiway propounded for by Thomas
Wilder and to marke out y' same & lo Report to the propriety there
Doings there in: and then the meeting was ajorned to y third wednsday
of may next to eight of y Clock
Lancaster May y' 20 1724 upon y ajornment from February the 3''
and first Receved a return of a Committy which was as followeth : We
the Subscribers l>eing appointed aCommilley to mark out a hiway lo where
Robert Houghton Jr did formerly live we began to mark out the way at
ihe turn of the old way beyend Thomas Wjlders hous and marked along
till we Came to Sum Land of Thomas Tookers where we Took a slip of the
14
Ihey Granted a Committey to wll Joseph Sawyer James Keyes &
I [Town]sentl to vew the Hiwaies propounded for by Samuell
.... [leaf torn]
(tly they Granted j" Request of Jonas Houghton in Remoual of a
which Goelh to barehill Mcdows where il Runeth through the Land
thai was Danil Hutsons that it might Run along upon the South Edge of
it by the Land of Joseph Fairbank
Ai a meeting of the [proprietors] February the i"' 1724/5 firat made
Choyce of John Houghton Esquier for a Moderator then Receved sum
Reports of Commitlyes formerly Chosen Refering to Sum Hiwaies they
are as followeth January y* 39"' 1724/5 Wee the Subscribers being
Choosen a Committey by the propriety of Lancaster to vew a hiway petis-
tloned for by Benjamin Houghton upon the Day aboue said we went and
vewfd the Same and have marlied it out viz through the I^and of Ebcnezer
Wilder thirty Rods then througli the Land of Jabaz Fairbank ivreaty nine
Rods then a Long in the Land of Jabai Fairbank & Thomas Sawyer to
Run along half upon Each thirty four Rods and then wholly in the Land
of Said Sawyer Twenty Eight Rods and then in said Fairbanks Land
twelve Rods. Benjamin Beu.ows Thomas Tookcr Jonas Houghton
Commilty This Report wa.s exsepted and the hiway Confermed accord-
ingly by the propriety by a vote in said meeting
January y" 18"' 1724/5 Marked out a hiway for the Conveniance of
Samuell Rugg to Com to the Contery Road and it began at a white oak
about ten Rods from the norwest angle of his Land which was Laid out
for his Father on the northerly side and Runs northerly a Cross the Land
of Jonathan Moors Seventy one Rods then it Run a Cross sum of the
Land of John Moor twenty six Rods and Corns In to the bay Road at the
edge of the plain neer a little Brook where the way has bin diged East-
erly from the pond brook Called west pond brook James Keves Joseph
Sawyer Co/a/nrt/y this hiway was Confermed by avote, and then (he meet-
ing was ajorned to the first Monday in March next
March y' i the propriety being meet ajorned y' meeting to y' 3 monday
in May nex to ten of y* Clock
It has been usual to state that Josiah Flagg, whose excel-
lent penmanship adoma the town books for thirty-four years,
between 1800 and 1836, was without a rival in the length
of his service as clerk for Lancaster. But the signature
of John Houghton, later known as Justice Houghton, who
succeeded Cyprian Steevens as clerk of the writs, is found
attached to records of lands, petitions to the court, and
(
_ **■
\ : _
I ^ _
i
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
\
Post for Monday, February 14, 1737, thus briefly records
bis death :
Lancaster, February 8^ 1736-7.
On the 3'' [D^taDt died here (after a few Day's tadis position) yoAa
/JeugAloH, Esq 7 !□ the 87* Year of his Age. He wasaseosible, religious,
peaceable and useful Man. He was serviceable (in several Capacities) for
Duiny Years among us. A constaai and devout attender on all the Ordi-
nances and Worship of God in his House. Tho' his Eyes were dim some
Years before his Death, yet his Bodily Strength and Intellectual Powers
remained with him to an uncommon Degree. He hath lefl behind him a
sorrowful Widow in the 84"'. Year of her Age, under bodily Ulindness, and
who hath been conhned to her Bed for more than three Years past : Also
a numerous Offspring. There are now living of his Children 7, of his
Graodchildien $4, and of his Great Grand Children 73. in all 134.
Joseph Wilder, son of the second Thomas Wilder, born
in 1683, was proprietors' clerk for forty years, from 1716
to '757. and perhaps during some years previous, the rec-
ords of which are missing. He also became town clerk
in 1737, continuing in that office seven years. These
olFices he held by common consent, in spite of the fact
that his penmanship is execrable, and almost illegible in
the late years of his life, when he wrote with a palsied
hand. He was deacon in the Lancaster church for forty-
two years, and representative to general court in 1720,
1725 and 1736. Upon the organization o{ Worcester
County in 1731, he was appointed judge and held the
ofGce of chief justice at his death. He was, however,
very illiterate, excelling all his clerical predecessors and
rivalling the most untaught of his successors, in the per-
versity of his spelling. Had his decisions as a judge been
as versatile and independent of precedent, as was his
orthography, trials before him would have had all the
exciting uncertainty of the modern horse race. In punct-
uation he displayed greater consistency, ignoring it alto-
gether, nor deigning like the eccentric pamphleteer of the
next generation, to add to his work any postscript supply
of points for eclectic distribution. He also bears, justly
214 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
or unjustly, the ill name of having by his narrow minded
opposition, prevented the locating in Lancaster of the
county offices, this then being the foremost town in the
new county. He is charged with having in his blind con-
servatism, presaged woes unnumbered to the rural paradise
about him, should it become habituated to tlie society of
lawyers and litigants.
There must have been great native force in him, as well
as discretion and tact. Rev. Timothy Harrington in a
sermon preserved in raanuscripl, headed Post Funcra
Hon- Viri y. Wilder armigcri, portrays his character in
these flattering colors :
God furoished him with a penetraling Judgment, strong Reason, and
a teiUicious Memory, and all, so far as we can judge, were consecrated to
y< HoDOur of y° most high, God was pleased lo advance him to numer-
ous seats of trust and Im[portance3 in y' Town County and Province,
which he titled with Inlegrity and Honour. In his domestic character, a
kind and faithful Husband a tender and In.structive and Exemplary Parent,
a pleasant chwrfui and Christian, a fKend lo Truth and Virtue, A
lover of God, man and his country, and a Benefactor to y poor and y"
Distressed. This, This is be whom God hath taken from us.
He died March 29, 1757, aged 74. His wife, who out-
lived him, was Lucy, sister of Reverend Andrew Gard-
ner. One son. Colonel Caleb, followed him as clerk of
the proprietors, and another. Colonel Joseph, succeeded
him in the offices of town clerk, deacon and Judge of the
Court of Common Pleas.
LOVEWELL'S WAR.
I 722 -I 726.
MILITARY CORRESPONDENCE, JOURNALS
AND MUSTER ROLLS.
In the Muster Rull of Sergeant Thomas Biickmtnster of
Framingham, are the names of -four Lancaster men,
engaged during July and August, 1722, in some service
I not specified :
I Henry Houghton.
I John Wilder,
[ week, 6 days, John Beeman, 4 weeks, 5 days.
4 weeks, 5 days, Richard Wild.
[Mus:
1,3=-]
In the Muster Roll of Sergeant Samuel Wright, serving
I from October 25th to November 25th, 1822, is found the
ne of Simon Stevens of Lancaster.
[MasMchusctls Artliives, xi;i, 71,]
I r733. Boston Nov 20 1723.
Sir. I red your Lett' this morning of the fS"" instant & haue
L en([uired' al the Secry Office concerning the orders to Coll. Tyng 5; find
I by a great Negluct they were misplaced & never sent forward. Now you
I acquainting me that you can enlist very good Men to compleat the Num-
I ber for yo' Command, Thi^e are to direct you forthwith to do it & return
] me their Names ; 1 doubt not but you will keep them to their Duly Si lake
E.aU Occasions if possible to perform some Signal Service.
To Lt, Jabez Fairhank.
Yo"
[Massachusetts Archive:
W OUUHEK
.■38.]
Lancaster December y 2"' 1723
May it plese your Hon'' 1 have in observance of your Hon" order In-
' listed Itfteeii able bodycil men fit for service ib haue sent the List of them
herewith to your Hon' with y' List of those tnat ware in y" service before
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
and haue put them on duity: we haue made no decovery of y Inemy as
yet : the barer is one that is in the senice & b Capable if your Hon'
Seas Case to demand ; to give a (iill accouat of our managemeot your
Humble
[Sufifrseriietil Servant Jabez Fairbank
To y Hon'' William Dumer Esq Left Governer S; for His Majesties
service, by Mr Edward Harlwell.
A List of the Names of y Soldiers 6rst enlisted in Lancaster Groaten
& Dunst^le.
Edv/ard Hartwill
Aaron WiHard
Benjami* Osgood
BenjimuH Houghton Juh
JoMh BamU
SammtU Sauytr
Jooathan Shipley
Joseph Blood
The names of those Last ir
yetefA BLuKkard
Epkriam WketUr
Da%nd Osgood
Joseph U'haloci
Esra Sawytr
BtnjamiH Harris
Phineas Parker
DaridSatell
IMamadimelts Archtvci, t:
James Shattuck
Samuell Scripter
John Stephens
William Larrance
Jabai Uavice
Thomas Chambertin
Ephriam Chandler
Benjamin Nichotds
John Barrit
Isaac Woods
Jacob Lakin
Thomas Lund
Isaac Farweil
Ebenezer Cumins
John Usher
Jonathan Combs
Lancaster December the a* 1723
JABEZ Faikbanks
1. 1*4. MS-]
Lancaster, April 28 1724
J/xf a fteast f«ir Hohout.
St. I have attended your order referring to the Placing of the men
at each Town, and have also Sent your Honour the Journalls of all the
long Scoots. The Scouts going from three Particular Towns, I am not
able to give your Honour so particular an account of Every Uaj's march
as Possibly your Honour may cipect. 1 endeavour to Improve the men
Constandy to the most advantage according to the Best of my Judgment.
If your Honour Please. 1 would now and then Send out A Scout at Con-
sidenble Distance from the Towns, and I think it would be very agreable
10 the minds of the People so to do. 1 stand ready lo attend your HoD-
0UI9 Orders & am your Hooouis Most Obedient Servasit.
Jabe^ Fairbamk.
I Anhivcs. sxxviu. A. 65.]
^M«*^
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1715.
Groton May 38, 1734.
Miiy it phase ymir Honour.
I have Posted ihe men Cominilled 10 my care at the Towns of Lan-
caster Grolon Dunstable it Turkey Hill according to your Honours
Orders ; and Improve them io the best manner I can for the protection of
the People & Discovery of the Encniy and 1 think to General Satisfaction.
) have ordered one man lo Mr. Frescotts Garrison During his attendance
on the Court. I beg Leave further to acquaint your Honour that Y P^^o*
pie in these Towns ap|)i'ehend themselves in Great Danger, and cannot
(in my humble opinion) be in any measure safe with so small a number of
men. 1 am your Honours
Humble & most obedient Servt.
JABEZ Fairiiank
(Mossachusetis Archives, L\xi[, 176.]
Lancaster, July 1" 1724.
A}ay it please your Honour.
I recieved your Letter Ihe Last night in the evening, and not before
iho 1 suppose i might have had it sooner had the bearer pleased, Your
Honour is pleased in your Letter to give me my choice of A Lieutenants
Post in Groton or Turkey Hills or A Serjeants at Lancaster. I am sensi-
ble that Serjeants Pay in Town would be as Profitable as to keep con-
stantly abroad, but yet upon Some Considerations I choose to Abide in
the Post 1 am, and to go lo Grolon. 1 return my thanks to your Honour
for the choice you have given me. I would Inform your Honour that on
Monday Last I sent A Scout to Rutland who Returned yesterday and gave
me an Account that In the way they discovered the tracks of four or live
Indians bearing towards Woclioosett whom they Judged had been gone 2
or 3 days. Yesterday Part of Grolon men &, Part of this Town went out
for the week to range above the Towns to see what Discovery they could
make, and I am myself this Day going out with what men I can Raise to
see what I can discover. I desire the favour of your Honour, That the
souldiers now under my Command in Lancaster and Groton might have
the Liberty of abiding with me or of being Uismist. If it be your Hon-
ours Pleasure to let Edward Hartwelt who hath been a Serjeant under me
Abide still in that Post in this town I should take it as a favour. I stand
ready to attend your Honours Orders & Commands and am S:
Your Humble Servant
Jajiez Fairiiank
[Massachusetts Arcl
I. 9-]
Groton July so"? 1724.
May it please your Honour
I have attended your orders in posting the men at the Towns of
Groton Lancaster & Turkey hill — precisely excejit at Turkey Hill there is
but eleven men Capt. Stevens having not as yet sent so many as ordered
3i8 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
& I have Taken my post at Grolon where I Improve the souliliers ii
best maDoer 1 can agreeable to ygur orders, & I have ordered them ti
Lod^e in Some of y* most Exposed Garrisons as often as may be. but I i
find it impossible to Improve So Small a Dumber of men So as to answer 1
y' Necessities of the people here ; whose circumstances are so verry Diffi-
cult & Distressing that I am not able fuUy to Reprcsi^nl to your Honour;
the poor people are many of them obliged lo keep llieir own Cairisons
and part of them Imployed as Guards while others are at their Labour
whose whole Time would be full Uttie enough to be expended in Getting
Bread for their families. My own Garrison at Lanc^ister is very much
exposed & with Humble Submission I think Requires Protection as much
as any in that Town, therefore 1 Humbly pray your Honour would be
pleased to give me Leave to post a Souldier there Dureing my absence in
the Service of the province. 1 beg your Honours Pardon for giving you
this Trouble, and ask Leave to Subscribe mySelfe
Your most Obedient Humble Serv'
JABEi FAIK BANKS.
[Massachuselts Archives. Lll, 16.]
Lfieutenant Jabez Fairbank was a grandson of John
Prescott. His father, Jonas, and two brothers, Joshua and
Jonathan, were slain in the early Indian wars. The stone
over his grave in the old burying ground records that he
died in 1758. aged about 84 years ; the recorded date of
his birth however is "8"' ii"'"' 1670." The following jour-
nals are not in the handwriting of Fairbank, nor are they
all by one hand. A sergeant or clerk made up the report
of each scout lor the Lieutenant to sign, and hence tlie
diversity in expression and spelling. The names of local-
ities mentioned are of interest. Journals of tlie scouts by
Lancaster soldiers only are here transcribed. Those from
Dunstable and Groton were similar and equally numerous.
Lancaster December the 6"" 1723.
A Journal of y* Scouies sent out By Liue' Jabez larbank first to quaso-
ponican and to assoatelick hill and round the turkey Hills and another
Scout up Wecapickit and lo Wickapimsee and to Beehill and to the parke
another scout sentc to washacom pond and 10 stiUwater and to Rutland
and then lo Lancaster again
January the 6"" 173^ &c
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 219
PAoother Seoul seate up Noshawa riuer to y* role stone Hill and to the
frachuseis Hills and to nitland and to Shrubury and on the carts {xtirts}
pf Wosscster.
another Scoute sente throu ihe woods to rutland and from thence to
f Brookfield and then return''
another Scoute sentc ihrou the woods to groton and from thence to the
Turkey Hills &c.
February 3? 172^. another Scoute sent to wanomihouck ponds &c
called 30 miles from Lancaster and from thence to wachusets hills and
from thence to Ocsechoxit hills & washacom ponds and then hom
another Scoute sent to Watatick hill called 20 miles from Lancaster and
came hom By the Dimon hills
another Scoute sente to the Turkey hill to mashapoge pond to cateconi-
moug pond to unchecowalounk pond and came hom By Lancaster north
another Scoute sent to rocke hills and to quiticous hills and to the red
stone and came hom By Geoige Hill.
March I 1734 another Scoute sente to the Turkey hills and so to rang
the woods upon there front and to mullipurs riuer and to Squanicock riuer
and to the Head of Sowhegon riuer and cross the woods to Lancaster.
another sent to menousnuck hills and up the strcmes that run Into
Nashawway riuer and then returned.
another Scoute to mashapouge hill and penequid entervails and to
monipnet Brook and to the (all Brook and to Harris enterval and then
hom.
April 1 1724. another Scoute Sent to gard the men at work at Turkey
hills and to Scout abought them.
another Scoute Sente up to Wachusets Brook and to rang the woods
upon the frount of Lancaster and to gord the people at there plow working
in the woods. Yours to sarve
Jabez
[Massachusetts Archives, Jtxxvill, A, 49-50.]
Lancaster Februarys'!' 1723/4
A Journal of a Scout of ten men sent out by Liuet Jabez fairbanks I,
to Tiukey Hills & from thence to y* Dimon Hills and to the Head of
Mullipurs riuer and to the Head of Squanicook river and from thence to
the Head of Sowhegon riuer. to the Watatick Hill and then steared to
vrards the grand wanadnock Hill, and from thence to Wanominock ponds
and from thence to Wachusets Hills and to Oxsechoxets Hills and mostly
to such places as the Indains are moste Likely to Hount In there coming
to our Towns.
*.-!»
220 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Sarvice don by we the Subscribers to witt.
Ser Edward Hartwell Ezra Sawyer
John Bennit Isaac farnworth
Ephraim Wheeler Isaac Lacain
Joseph Wheelock Moses Willard
Dauid Osgood John Eames
Yours to command
[Massachusetts Archives, XXXVIII, 53.]
Jabez Fairbanke
Lancaster, April 28, 1724
Jurnals of the Scouts Sent out By Lift ffarbank to Wachusets and
from thence to Rutland and then return*^ to Lancaster again to gard the
fields.
may 2. and another Scoute Sente to the Oxsechoxits hill and to garde
the people abought there feilds.
may 6 another Scoute Sente to Turkey Hills and from thence to mas-
hapoge Hills and so down Lancaster north River and In to Lancaster to
gard the feilds at Lancaster.
may 10 another Scoute Sente up Nashaway River to Wachusets Ponds
and then returned to Lancaster to garde y^ feilds. another Scoute Sente
to rutland and hom By wachusets hill.
may 14 another Scoute sent on the west of Lancaster Town to rang
the front on the Back side of the feilds.
may the 28* another scoute of five men sente up Nashaway north River
tow on one side and tow on the other side and so up said river abought ten
miles to a hill called Rolestone hill and from thence to Lancaster again to
gard men at there work in their feilds
June the first day, a Scoute wente to Wachusets ponds and from thence
to Crow hill and from thence to Back sid of the Rocke hill and from thence
to Rocke Hill meadow and to Chesnut hill to wickepocket.
June the 4'** another Scoute sente to Turky hills and from thence to
Bennits meadow and to Whites pond and to Lancaster to gard the feilds.
Yours to Command.
Jabez Farbank
[Massachusetts Archives, xxxviii, A. 64.I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725.
221
MUSTER ROLL OF THE COMPANY OF JABEZ FAIRBANKS.
CAPTAIN, JUNE 18, 1724.
I/incaster,
/
X
d
Jabez Fairbanks Lt.
31
weeks service
31
wages
Edward Hartwell Serjt.
31
do do
days
20
13
4
Aron Willard Centle
8
2
4
2
10
James Houghton '
22
5
II
7
I
J no. Bennitt •
14
7
Aron Willard
16
6
8
8
6
Eph- Wheeler
20
6
10
8
6
Isaac Farnworth *
7
6
3
18
6
Samuel Sawyer *
31
15
10
Ezra Sawyer *
28
6
14
8
6
Joseph Wheelock *
28
6
14
8
6
David Osgood *
28
6
14
18
6
Benj* Hosgood *
31
15
10
Benj* Houghton *
31
IS
16
Benj' Hams *
28
4
14
5
8
Grot on.
Phinias Parker Serj*
7
4
13
4
Jon* Shipley Sentl
9
I
4
II
5
Jo? Blood
3'
IS
10
Ja? Shaduch
31
IS
10
Samuel Screpter
31
15
10
W"* Lawrance
31
15
10
Josiah Bauden
21
6
10
18
6
Jacob Ames
28
6
14
8
6
Isaac Woods
■
28
6
14
8
6
Jason Williams
28
6
14
8
6
Nath* Lawrance
28
6
14
8
6
Jona Shepley serj?
21
6
14
II
6
Jon» Blanchard Serj? Di
instable
28
6
19
4
10
Jona Butterfield Sent^« (
rhensford
28
2
14
2
10
Noah Johnson I
loubourne
28
2
14
2
10
yno Barrett C
'helnsford
28
2
14
2
10
Thos Chamberlin C
iroton
28
2
14
2
10
Jabez Davis F
[averhill
28
2
14
2
10
Benj* Nichols F
Ledding
28
2
14
2
10
Eben Virgin C
helnsford
28
2
14
2
10
Joseph Chamberlin
do
20
6
10
8
6
Jno Wright E
>racut
7
3
3
14
3
Iv »
JhyyfjLZS jF E^
J « I iS 6
S S ■■71
■ 4 BO IS 8
• i J 7 I
•3 « 4 3
. ^ . _ . _ , , _ 5i9i7 a
iJWMt Sfl-I^ 6
r * 1724/S-
oftliis
tin
to appear
of our
■if*sooot; Jk several
HobF win send
& aost obe&nt Senr! to
S*. We Ae aapwcribffs hawog hteiy beea l ufaf^d , tfiit by an order
finom joQT Hocaocr. CoG Tjng faadi ofdered. Cape Josiah WQlanl of Tur-
key HiS, to be a: Ddkscible vidi mil die men under his ooounand, in
Gfotoo. Lancaster. & Turkey HDI: vidi fifty Dm provision ready to
march nrom thence, die next Wednesday, most crave leav« to Infionn your
Honour, that the men that are sent fcr from among us, are the most of
them Inhabitants. Imployed in Scouting, those that are Inhabitants are
frequcndy changed by Leave from your Honour, so that some that are
Imployed are heads of Emilys. We wouhi Intrcat your Honour to Con-
sider our Circumstances, and that the time when we may expect the enemy
upon us. is at hand, and that we shafl be gready weakened, and erposed,
if our men are now removed, besides the Great Damage which fiunilyswill
sastain hereby. Moreover. A Considerable Number of our men, are but
Just returned home, that have been out against the Enemy, with Capt
Lovel. and we have reason to suppose that a Considerable Number of them
will go voluntarily again with Mr White who we understand is designed to
go out again in a short time. We would also add, that as we understand
the point Coll T)'ng designs to march on, we cannot Imagine that we shall
\je much guarded by him. We would therefore humbly & eamesdy Intreat
your Honoiir that all among us under pay mlgh^ abide with us and not be
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
233
Removed. We would crave leave Just to Intimate to your Honour referr-
ing lo Turkey Hill, that if all the men that are sent for; must go, the
Emilys there wilt be in 3 manner wholly destitute of men. We return
your Honour thanks for your Readiness to gratify our desires, and hope
you will siill do so. Who arc. Your Honours mo.sl humhie and most
obedient Servants.
For ilie Honourable
William Dummer Esq^ Lieut. Governour
These.
[MassachuE
John Houghton
i'eter joslen
E PUR AIM Wilder
Boston.
IS Archive
->■]
March, 1724 Lt. Gov. Dummer lo Colonel FJeaser Tyng.
Sir, I here enclose Letters I have rec' from Lancaster, Wch I have
fully consider^, and think it proper to limit yon lo sixty men for yoUf
march at most, and that you leave the Rest to be a Security lo y» Towns
especially Turkey Hills which is very much exposed, & let Lancaster &
Crolon likewise have their Proportion of men left; 1 think it proper like-
wise to restrain the Time of your being out to forty Days which you must
not exceed unless upon a good Prospect nf meeting w* the Enemy, and
therefore lake but 40 Days Provision -, w''' may be lengthen'' out If Occa-
sion require. If you find it necessary, you may assure those that are
Inhabitants & are ready & forward for this Service, That iliey shall be
continued in Fay after the March is perform'' and that the others shall be
dismiss"'. You must I»e sure lo support your authority by a pro|jer & reso-
lute Management in this aflair. I suspect Lt. Hartwell has beeii concern''
in raising thLs Discontent, among the People. You must therefore make
strict Enquiry WItelher it be so or not & let me know, & I shall deal with
Him accordingly. You may Cake a skilful Pilot with you who will be enti-
luled to y* Established Payfi if llie Uocter mentioned is willing to serve &
tnLSt to y* generosity of Gen' Court for what He may bee allowed above
Souldiers pay. It will he very well for you to take Him & Ihercfore you sh
encourage his Going. You have inclosed tJie Commiss you desir*
[MassacliusetU Archives. lkx[|. aaa.]
May it please yttiir Honour.
According to your orders 1 have been at Lancaster and accordingly
made cntjuiry into the Conduct of Lieut Hartwell and cannot find that he
has been in the least measure to blame, but on the contrary did all that lay
in his Power to promote & further the Designe your Honour Coiiianded us
lo go u[>on. Wee marched yesterday &l Campt the last night at y Mouth
of Neesonkeej; brook, I am. Your Honours
Most obed' Humble Serv*.
EI.EAZAR TVNC
Natacook. A]> : I . gin j* morning.
P S Inclosed I send ihose papers according to your Honours ord'
[Massacliusells Archives, Lxxil, aaj.]
t 224 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
I _*
ELixCASiEX Aogost y* 23 1715.
Afajr it pleu yti^ f/omer :
T. Soar Hoa^ HiTcing Gives me tbe SiAscriber tfaf laspcctjan ol the
(^ Soldiers 2I sd Laocaster mdcr Conrauad of Cap* ]otaah WiUard Ukd 1
t haveing bult U Torker Hik aad mjr EUenst Ijriiig tbcK, I am desined to
^ Remoue Ibetber y iiez weak if 1 imjr bat obCaia four Hon" Leare ihere-
^ for hopdDg thu I shall there be in as Good a Capant; to serve both mj
y King and ConWiy, I Humbly Reqqest jwi Hovf wo«tld Signi£e yow
^ pleasuo- hErdn by y* barer :
p Vow Hon™ most Hwnble Semat
by jr hand erf Eos^ne OGver Wilder. Eowabd Haktweix
[Uassuhosetts Aidiins ui, z^it.]
Edward Hartwell removed iVom Lancaster and was for
many years Lunenburg's most prominent citizen, serving
as representative for the town after he was eight}' jxars
old. In 1750 he was appointed Judge of the Court of
Common Pleas. Reverend Peter lATiitney closes a sketch
of his career thus : " and finally he died in the ninety sev-
enth year of his age, as full of piety as of days."
Laxca^'eic Hay 9? 1725.
May il f>lease your Honour.
Being relumed home! thought rayselfoblidged to In fonn your Honour
thai on ihe 5* of April last, I went from Lancaster to Dunstable and the
8'" Day of April from thence up Marrimack with 30 men, two of which
came back in A short time, one of them being taken sick, and y' other
having suit himself very badly. 1 marcht up Marrimack about 130 mile,
and there discovered some signs of Indians, some old. which we Judged
were made sometime this winter and one new track on ihe Bank of the
Rii'er, wch we Judged had gone but a few days before I seat out scouts
but could discover nothing further. We tben turned off to y* Westward
towards Coos, marched 10 miles the 24"" of April Att evening one of our
men viz Sam" Mossman of Sudbury being about Encamping, look hoJd
of his Gun that stood among some Bushes drew it towards him with the
muzzle towards him some twi^ caught hold of the cock, the Gun went
off, and sholt him throgh. he died Imediately. We went across to Con-
neclicutt River came down that to Northtield and from thence across the
woods to Lancaster, we goti in yesterday. I have endeavoured £uthfiilly
to attend your Honours orders already recie»ed, and it your Honour has
any further service for me I desire your Honour would let me know it. I
have not as yet complealcd my Journal, but hope to finish it in a sbort
1
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 225
time that it may be Laid before your Honour. I am your Honours most
obedient humble Servant
On his Majesties Service John White
For the Honourable William Dummer Esq.
Leivt Governour &c. In Boston. These
[Massachusetts Archives, LXXII, 23aJ
Sir, I have the Account of y' March & Return by your Letter of the
9"* Instant & Approve of your Proceedings, tho I am heartily grieved for
the Death of the poor Man, & wonder that so many unhappy Accidents
of this Kind have not been sufficient to warn our People of the Effects of
such Indiscretion. The Season being now advanced for the Appearance
of the Enemy, and it being more likely to meet with them now than
before, I desire you would go out with the Same Number of Men & upon
the same Establishm^ which will be allow* you ; I should be glad you could
immediately proceed, & make up a Muster Roll for your two Marches upon
your Return. For m«^ Time will otherwise be lost at this critical Juncture.
However if you must first come to Town let there be no Delay ; If any of
your men are backward to go out again you must enlist others to make up
your number. I shall not prescribe any Rout to you, you being best able
to judge where the Enemy may be mett with : Carry out as much Pro-
vision as you can, That so you maynt be obliged to return very soon : Be
very silent & watchful on your March & Ambushments. I heartily wish
you Success, and am your Serv*
Boston II May 1725. W" Dummer
Capt White
Capt Welds
[Massachusetts Archives, LXXII, 233.]
Dunstable July the 10: 1725.
May it Please your Hon^:
Old Christian Being this morning Being Taken with a violent Bleed-
ing Caused our Companyes to stop and within a few hours he died & the
other mohaucks are not willing to Leave him before he is Buried & our
desine is to march ouer Merimack Riyer and There to Take a True List
of our mens Names, & shall march as Quick as Possible. Who Remain
Still your Honours at Coinand John White
Seth Wyman
[Massachusetts Archives, Lii, 222.]
1725. June 10. Answering a — "Memorial of Capt John White,
Shewing that he has lately raised a Company of Voluntiers, who have
made Two Marches against the Indian Enemy, That the Memorialist, in
raising th^said Company of Voluntiers has been at greater expence than
what his Wages have amounted to, he having no more Allowances or Pay
than a Private Man of the said Voluntiers is entitled to, praying that as
IS
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
what be did in raising the said Volnntiers was with a View and Design t
serve the Interesi of the Province, that he may have such Rccompence
and SatisEactioo Tor his said Service as to the Wisdom and Bnuoiy of this
Court shall seem meet;" — twelve pounds were allowed by the General
Court.
[MassachusetU Records. — Jaainal of General Coun.]
InstructwHs lo Captaiia H'Otard, UTute and BlaiickarJ.
S'. Having Commissio Dated you to Command a Company of Volun-
tiers against the Indian Eneniy, you are hereby Directed to Exercise and
maintain good DLscipline and Governmeol among your Officers and Sol-
diers and to Suppress and punish all Disorders. Vice, and Immorality and
to Keep up ihe Worship of God in your said Company. Vou must nwrch
to Pigwacket. unless you shall upon mature Consideralioo Judge any other
tour more etfectual for the service, withall Canvcnient Dispatch Joining
such Companys of Volnntiers in theCounly of Middlesex as shall be ready
lo proceed with you and from thence march to such places where by your
Intelligence may Judge it probable to meet with the Indian Enemy, if
you Judge it necessary to keep the whole Body together in order to attack
any Tribe or Settlement of Indians I shall approve of your so doing, oth-
wise that Two Companys or halfe your Body proceed Eastw*. & the other
halfe to proceed from Pigwacket to Strike over to Amrescoggin & Kennc-
beck River, endeavouring to get higher up the said Rivers then the places
of the Indians Settlements one party of which to Come down Amres-
coggin River to Fori George & the other down Kcnnebeck River to Rich-
mond, and if your provision should (all short so as that the whole cannot
be sufficiently (vjrnish'' for the march to Amrescoggin & Keonebeck Rivers,
some of your Feeblest men must Come into Berwick. The remaining pari
of the Body to go off to the North Westward in Quest of the Indian En-
emy said to be there taking with them the Mohawks for their Guides. Let
your Marches be with all the Secrecy & Silence as well as Dispatch, you
are Capable of. You must Kill, T.ike & Destroy to the utmost of your
power all the Enemy Indians you can meet with in your March. St Seai^h
for their Corn, destroying all you can tind. And give Intelligence (roin
lime to time of every thing of Importance that may happen-
[Massachusetls Archiv«, UVXII, aso.J
c iKitig in Ihe original fr*-
UlTEIl
Orders lo Cafil IVhUe fr* Uyman Aug 7 1725-
Received an acct. from Coll. Wentworlb of your returne lo Cocheco. I
am very sorry for the Sickness & the difficultys of a wcl Season that has
attended your march. & make no dout but you have done the uttmost prac-
ticable under these pressures & misfortunes, but since It has Pleased
i
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
227
God it should bee so & that we have lately concluded a cessation of armes
w"' itie Penobscott Indians in order to bringing about a general peace,
I would have [you] repair home & disband your Compaayes & make out
Muster Rolls forthwith.
[Massacbusetts Archires, Lit. 334.]
Ti (At Hen*!'^ William Dummer Esqr. Lieut. Gtmemonr and CoSiander
iH Chief f he hen'''' the coumill and /Representatives for the Province
of the Afatsuchttsetts Bay in N'eai England in General Court Assem-
bled at Boston the ly'. day of December Anno Dam 1727.
The Petition of Eunice White Relict widow of Capt. John White late
of Lancaster deced. Humbly Shewelh. That Whereas your PetT sd hus-
band in his liFu time in the years 1724 & 1725 as well as at other times
performed sundry marches ag' the Indian Enemy and did other services
for the good of his Country & was active and vigorous in the Defence
thereof against those barbarous Salvages, not only ha/arding his life but
Expending good part of his substance therein, as is well known to many.
Some few Instances whereof your Pet' would humbly rlpresent to this
Hon**" Court. Yo; Pet? sd. hu.sband altho he had divers times had the
honour to bear command yet voluntarily Enlisted himself under the late
Capt. Lovcwell, and choose rather to go as an Under Officer a[ that time
because he would do what in him lay to Encourage others to Enlist and
marched with him at the lime when they killed the Ten Indians, in which
march they were out near Forty days. Then he performed a march to a
place called Cohosse on Connecticut River thinking to meet with the Ene-
my there and came in at Fort Dummer, being out thirty four days, tho they
missed of their desired Success ; Then in about Eight days time he had a
Company raised and went to Pigwacket to bury Capt. Lovewell which he
performed in a very difficult sea.son of the year. Then he went to Con-
necticut at his own cost and charge to get a Company of Mohege Indians
in order to go down to Si Francois to lake an I ndian fort there, but failing
of his aim, he returned home and then enlisted a Company of Voluntiers
and marched designing for a Fort beyond Pigwacket. but was taken sick
before he got 1 he re, returned home and dyed leaving your Pet' his bereaved
widow with seven Children the Eldest about Fifteen years old and Four
of them very young, & one she then went with who is now living; In all
which Services your Petit? said husband cheerfully underwent many hard-
ships and difficulties for the good of his country, and was at considerable
Cost and Charge, by Supplying those that Enlisted under him with neces-
saries which could not be readily obtained elsewhere, purely to make
dispatch.
Now Forasmuch as the Sickness of which your Pet? husband dyed was
in all probability Occa.sioned by means of y" difficulties he underwent in
228 ASKALS OF LANCASTER,
tbe Pidilick Serxke. & that he ancr in Im Mfe ttoK had an Opportunity of
askiiig joor Hon* Favoar far his post Sen ic ea but was talcen awa;- in the
Strength aad ngomt of his Sfe, withoiH recchtii^ northing Cnxn the Pnb~
Bch more than s^Mpda/lbrthedKceiMardKshe petfDroed asafaresf aad
in rc^td jf^jor I^C is kft a ^ x an sb bOc widow witb sevcnl Fathofess
Chiadfcn to bring op who soad in dailj need of lelief ami S^iport, jma
IVe GmBng it «<bj ■■*i*'^>* to p n xije far them. She therdoR aoost hnm-
Uf lM()loKn yew Ha«T pitr and Co^naskMi w hersdf & CUldren. and
that as ytM have been p lea se d in fike cases (o reward those dot hare
sened the Province, and the Reptr se noiiTes of those ihit haie km their
lives ia the Pnblick Serrke. So that she maj Experience of tlie Boon^
& Goodness o/ this Hcoo'^ Coort to b<T in her iBfficalt 'TTTrrttanm.
and thai jtm wSt be pkased to Gtant her T«o bnndred and Fifij acres of
the unapfiropntted Lands of the P re wn oe that dK na; diipiae of the
same far the £AMatiixi and hrin ri ng vd fc^ afares^ f^^t^ffty or that towt
Hon' wonid otherwise lefinc her as in jo^ Great Goodness & Conpns-
sioa jw shall see meet. And as is do^ bouid joar PetiC dull evo'
pra; &C. EcxKX Wurrc
In the Honae of Rtpreienotiws Dcconbs aS? 1737. Rend and in
answer to this fc ti tion. RenoKed Tint the som of One UnndRd pfxn^s
be aUowed and paid ont of the pobfici Ttosoij to tbe pe ti tiooer the wid-
dow Euoioe WUte in Conaidention of tbe good Ser vic e s dooe tUs
prottBce br btr htc hefaand Capl. Join White, and gnat "tt" i
wfaich be fas badno CooMAratioa. asp ar ti nttir tysel torthin thep
and Ibc better We^Alelhepetilioaertos^port ber Fanolj and taring a
her ChiOdns. Sent ^ far Conamncc Ww OCIM.ET ^
In council Dec sS. 1737. Read ft Cdncnr' J. Wiuako Sktx
Caosenttdu W" Ucibusm.
■SJSM
4
CaptatD John WHiw was gmulson of the pioneer bear-
ing ihe same oaii>e. He was bom Sep<etnber 19, 1684,
9oa ol* Josiah a.ad Mary ^\'hite. An elder brotbo' became
pfominent in Lancaster as Deacon Joeiab White, and his
brother Jonathan n-as slain by the Indians in 1707. Cai»-
tain White was a Macksmhb by trade, and well to ilo far
his times ; his inTentor\~ dated January 17:5-6 scmmtng
1220 pounds. In 172S Reii~ereiid John Prentice records
baptiajog "the widdow Whites children': Eunice. John.
Bette, EVrrothy, Thomas, Lois, Mary. Natfaanael.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
DEC* OF PERSONS W" Y' 10 INDIANS WERE KILLED.
I
I
Jno White
Sam Tarbol
Jcr. Hunt
Eben. Wright
Jos. Read
Sam Moor
Phin. Foster
Fra; Dogetl
S HiltoD
Jno. Pollard
Bca Walker
Jos. Wright
Jno. Varnura
Robt Ford
Ben Parker
Sam Shaltock
Jacob Ames
Jno Stephens
Jos: Whttlock
Sam Sawyer
Esra Sawyer
At killing of them i
Jana: Houghton
James Houghton
Henry Willard
Jacob Gales
Joseph WhiUomb
Sam II Learned
Robt Phelps
Moses Graves
Moses Hazzen
John Leviagston
Jereni Pearley
Win Halchins
Jacob Corey
Oliver Pollard
Samlh Trull
Ben" Parker [4/j]
Wm: Sjjalden
Samll Fletcher
Jno. Duncom
Jethro Ames
John Sawyer
Indians. Lovell & '
Moses Chandler
Joseph WUsan
Jona Parks
Joshua Webster
Samli: Johnson
Staph Murrill
Jacob Pearly
John Hazzen
Eb: Brown
Hamll. Stickney
Joshua Hutch ins
Benony Boyntoo
Eph Farns worth
Ruben Farns worth
Thos. Farmer
Rich. Hall
Neh. Robinson
Jona. Parks [Wj]
Caleb Uolton
62
[M3S5u:hu5etts Amhivi
[. 363.1
The names of Lancaster men are printed in italics.
The petitioners for the grant of Nichewaug, now Peters-
ham, in 1733, asked it in consideration of "the Hardship
& Difficult marches they vnderwent as volunters vnder the
Comand of the Late Cap'" Lovell & Cap" White after the
Inden enemy and Into their Countrey." Most of the above
names appear in the list of Proprietorsof that Grant. The
chief inducement to volunteer in a service so arduous, was
the enactment of 1732, oilering "volunteers without pay or
subsistence, for the scalp of any male Indian of the age of
twelve years or upwards the sum of rcx) pounds." Wom-
en and children, scalped or unscalped, were paid for at
half price.
In an appendix to an Address delivered in Bolton at the
Centennial Celebration, July 4, 1876, by Reverend Richard
230
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
S. Edes, is printed part of a diary "found among the
papers of the first clerks of the town." The cop3ist adds,
" How old the book is, no one can tell." It is a journal of
the scout of Captains Lovell and White "when the lo
Indians were killed," February. 1724 ; probably written by
one of the Lancaster soldiers there present. The minutes
of the first eight days have been torn off.
9. We traveled 14 miles aad camped at the norwest corner of winipi-
socket pond.
10. We traveled 16 miles, aad camped at the north side of Cusumpe i
1 1 . We traveled 6 miles N by E from Cusumpe aud there camped —
and sent out scouts, and some of our scouts thought tbey discovered j
12. We sent out scouts, and they discovered nothing.
13. Wc lay still and sent out scouts, and to strengthen us to
farther we sent home 29 men.
14. We traveled 10 miles toward Pigwackett. and then came upon a |
branch of the Saco river, and sent out scouts.
15. We lay still and sent out scouts and discovered nothing.
16. We traveled 6 miles and came upon an Indian wigwam— the Indi- I
ans being gone we left 16 men with our packs and the rest pursued them I
till dark and stayed there all night.
17. We followed their track till eight o'clock next day and then we
came back to fetch our packs, traveled the remaining part of that day and '
the night ensuing six miles.
tS. We traveled ao miles and camped at the great pond upon Sawco
19. We traveled 22 miles and camped at a great pond.
zo. We traveled 5 miles and came to a wigwam where the Indians I
been lately gone from, and then wc jiursucd their track about 3 miles
further and discovered their smoke and then tarried till about two o'clock |
at night and then came upon them and killed 10 Indians which was
there was.
21. We traveled 6 miles.
22. We lay still and kept scouts upon our back tracks to see if there
would any pursue.
23. We traveled 30 miles and Camped at Cotheco.
Another journal of this march has been printed in Uie
New England Historical and Genealogical Register, vii,
62, differing very slightly from the above, q. v.
MASSACHUSETTS.
A tru jurHoll of my traveUs be^n the s'* of April, 1725
We tra.ucl'' lo Groten vz mitds and thear stayed by reson of foul
6 day we Irauel'' to dunslabel 13 milds and thear Lay thai night
7 day we Lay stil by reson of foull wether
S day we mustared and went ouer the riuer to the hotis of John Taylors
about 3 tnilds
9 day we marcht up the riuer about 8 milds and then catnpl one of our
men being taken uerey sik for he kold trauel no ferther, his name was
Thomas Simson, Our Doctor Joseph Whetcomb thai night set his fut into
a Ketel of bJUng broth that lie cold trauel no ferther
10 day was foul wether and we sent 2 men in lo dunstabel with the
sik and Lam men and [they] returned that night to us again
1 1 day we Craueled about 13 milds and then campt about 3 mild aboue
amoskeeg falls.
12 day we traueled 1 1 milds and then campt at the mouth of penekoock
13 day we traueled 7 milds and then campt at the iansh fort in pene-
kook Enteruals that day it rayend uery hard all day.
14 day we traueH 10 milds and then Crost meremack riuer aboue the
mouth of Contookock riuer and then Campt,
15 day (ve iiauel' '& milds north west from Contockock to a litel stream
that runs into meremack Kiuer about 3 milds westard from meremack and
then campt and sent out skouts
16 day we traueld 12 milds and Cam to a pond which was uery Long
and we turned to the east sid of it and then campt. and then sent out
skouts that day we lay about 3 milds westard of the mouth of Winepi-
17 day it raynd uere hard the fore part of the day and a litel before
night it cleard up & we sent skouts but found northen
i3 day we traueled 14 milds and that day we Crost z great streames
that runs in to meremack, one of tliem comes out of a great pond which
sum indens says it is 3 days jurney round it the Land is uerey full of great
hils and mountains and uerey rockey abundance of sprus and hemlock and
fiir and sum bech and maple and we campt
19 day we (raueld 1 1 milds and then campt al the Louar End of pemi-
chewashet Lour Enteruals and sent out skouts.
2a day we lay stil by reson of foull wether and towards nit it Cleard up
and we sent out skouts and found whear Cornol Tyng crost meremack
21 day we iraueld i2 milds up pemichewashet Riuer and found old sines
of indens and we sent out skouts that night and found one new track and
we lay that night by the riuer and mad new camps. The Land that lys
by this riuer is uere rich and good the upland uere full of hils and moun-
tains, uery bad traueling
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 233
pany not being quite Ready. Christian was taken with a violent Bleeding
and Died about one Clock, we then went over the River the Canada Mo-
hawk not being willing to Go, we left him behind.
1 1 . We Went up the River about Two miles, & waited for Capt.
Wyman.
12. We Traveled about 7 miles & then Encamp'd.
13. we march about 33^ miles, Capt Wyman overtook us. We sent
out scouts, We kiird a Bear & sev^ Rattle Snakes.
14. MarchM about 4 miles, & some of our men thinking they heard
Guns up Piscataquag River, we sent out 40 men up the River and 20 more
Eastw** who Returned not that night.
15. our Scouts came in but made no Discovery, we KilPd two Bairs &
divers Rattle Snakes, which pester'd us very much in our march
16. One of Capt. Wymans Men being very sick, we travePd but about
4 miles, but kept Scouts out Continually.
17. Excessive Rain occasioned our laying still, but sent out Scouts who
Killed a Black Moose.
18. We March'd about 7 miles, our Indian being taken very lame we
lay still a while but his lameness continuing we sent him home, we
encampM at Suncook
19. We March'd to Pennecook about eleven miles.
20. Lay still by Reason of a Bad Storm of Rain. Several of our
men taken ill.
21. Four of Capt Wymans men were sent home with two sick men.
We travePd about 5 miles.
22. Several more of our men were taken very ill with a Bloody Flux,
which we Suppose was occasioned by Excessive Rains, & Immoderate
Heats. It rained this day very hard that obliged us to lay still, Keeping
our Scouts out.
23. men being very Sick & Weak we TravePd 8 miles & Encamp*d
24. Our men Continuing very 111 we march'd but 7 miles.
25. It being good Travelling we march'd about 9 miles notwithstand-
ing the weak Condition of the Company. Our Well men being obliged
to carry the Sick mens packs.
26 Lay still by Reason of a Storm of Rain, our men continuing sick.
27. the Storm continuing, & our men growing worse we lay still all
day.
28. We Traveled about Eleven miles & Encamped
29 we March'd about Ten miles & come upon Cocheco path
30. We March'd to the Town of Cocheco 19 miles
31 Came to Oyster River
Aug: I TravePd from thence to Exeter
2. March'd from Exeter to Kingstown
3. We March'd to Bradford.
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
4- Raind hard, we got to Billerica
S. 1 arrived at Lancaster and Dismiss'd my Company
Boston Aug II 1735
[Massai:husells Archives XXX
LETTERS OF CAPTAIN SAMUEL WILLARD TO LIEUTENANT
GOVERNOR WILLIAM DUMMEK.
1725. Honoured Sir, after my doty presenled lo you these arc to in-
forme you that on Monday [he nineteenth of this current July in the after-
noon I marched from Rutland witli fifty two able Uodyed men cowards
Walchusett with days Provision one of tlie men before we camped
that night by an accident sprained his ankle who was oblidged lo Return
into Rutland and Capt. Wright was so Ingenious as spare one of his men
for him 1 have left (our more good men with Capt. Wriglit and have four
of his men in their stead the first night we Camped on the south side of
Ware River, and the next day lay still by Reason of foul weather sent out
scouts and tracked Indians the next day we marched over the River
where we camped west from Watchusett 1 desighn to march about twenty
mile brther towards menagnick and ther to Scout about 3 or 4 days and
then march to pemichawasselC We are all io good health write in the
woods about six or seven mile of Watchuselt and sent in by Rudand scout
this twenty second day of July anno Domini 1725.
Writt in hast. I Remain y? to Command
SAM':'^ WlLlJlKD
[MassachusclU Archives, LJIl. 383.]
July 25 17=5
Honoured Sr. these are to Informe you Ihal this day being
wide of Wattchusett and Menadnick upon our march towards Peml-
shewassetl with fourty seven able bodyed men, four of our men being sick
and not able to travel who 1 have sent into Lancaster wilh Joshua Parker
a well man to take care of ihem I doe not think to be into any town
this five and thirty days unless we get some Indians Yesterday I being
upon the scout heard a Gun which I supposed to be an Indian gun have
sent out scouts there several ways this day there is fourty seven men
besides the five who are come in
Yrs to sarvc Sam'^ Wili.ard
I
S! I desire that there may be preparation for canoes all Northfield If
your honour designs any march to St. Francis this summer Capt. Blanch-
ard desiring the same we not thinking of it when in Boston
Vrs lo serve SamV- Willako
[Mas
l.=3o-J
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- rr^S- 235
Lancaster Aueust 16 i?25
For y lIoHMfriibU William Dummer Esq
May it Plcsc your Honner Persuant to your Honners Instructions to
mc 1 marched from Rutland North or thereabouts tille wc came to Wanad-
luck and from thence North East for pemissiwassett until! Sabbath day
y* 8 of August Intending to have mete Capt Blancher there But By Rea-
son of much foule weather and Ejilreme Bad Woods to Iravele in we
Being preswcad'' Capl Blancher was come from pemisiwassett thought it
more scarvisable to come Down at a Distance from y* river which we Did
about 35 miles and then came to y* River and mete with Capt. Blancher
at y' mouth of Contocouk and so came Down y" River and arived well at
Lancaster Thursday August y* i! with most of our mean Some Being so
weary with their march we Left them at Grolon : if your Honner Have any
farther Instructions I shall be Ready to sarve ;
Your Honners very Humble Sarvent Samuel Willard
1 should Have sent to Informe your Honner Before Bm Capt Blanchard
told me be shold send that we Both Came In togeiher.
[Ma>saihusi:»i Archivta. i.xxil. 357.]
May it please your Honour Yesterday I arriv" at Dunstable with a
Company of very good, likely, effeelive men ; I had been here sooner but
my march was retarded by the sickness of my Lieut! who remains so bad
that he cannot go with me ; to supply whose place, I would if your Honour
see Cause desire a blank CofPilssion might be sent me lo be bestowed upon
one whom the Company is desirous to choose among themselves. I have
advised w"' Col Tyng with regard to my March & taking the young Mo-
hawk with [me] who is, I find willing eno upon the encouragement pro-
posed to go. I would beg leave to represent to your Honour that the
march will be long and hard, if He Pilots up where I design to go, &
would desire Chat Capt Blanchard & his men may be ordered to go with
me, so that if any of our men grow faint and weak, we may have still eno
lo prosecute our design, and may send such in either eastward or westward
i^ we shall judge best, & those that go forward may be supported with
their Provision. 1 humbly conceive this to be of great importance lo the
Province lo serve which I design lo us my utmost endeavour in this March,
Sl in this Representation, which I have adventured to Irauliie you with 1
rcmaine Your Honours most obedient Humble Serv'
Dunstable Sept 7 1725 Samuel Willard
iMassachusclts Archives, I.li. 267.]
May it Please your Hon'
Yesterday my men marched they being sixty eight in Number and
th.il the young mohauck assures us that he can Lead us to the Indians
Head Quarters and Goes Cherfully a Long with us, & Capt blanchard is
1
fc
2^6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
[mediately marching after me and we desire when come lo Cusumpe pond
or penesiwassett to send forty of our weakest hands back with a smalt
matter of Provision in to the westerd or easterd and to proc^ with the Rest
to the place where the mohauck tels ixs of if by Good Providence we have
our healths Who Remain y' Hon~
Dunstable Sep'' the 9"' Most obedient Servant
1725 Sam':^ WiiXAKii
[Massachuselts Archivos, Lll. a7Q.]
Sepf^ 19. 1715.
Honoured Sir after my Duly to you These Lines are to inform you
that 1 am well, & all my men excepting Three one of which badly wound-
ed himself with his Haichett, which is Richard Burtt & Two others
being ill not able to pform the Service, by name Sergt, Abial Chapin &
Benj. Alherton. & 1 Thought it proper to send home Twelve men more
under the Coiiiand of Lei' Combs, & I with Capt Blanchard do send one
Party down Mirimack, & the other Party between MarJmack & Coaecticut
into Turkey Hill. & if it is your Honours Pleasure to Keep them Scouting
where you think it best they are at your service. And Capt Ulanchard,
& 1, have taken all their Provisions, for to lengthen our Journey excepting
enough to carry them home. We are now Near the Crotch of the River,
No more at Present but I Remain Your Humble Servt.
Sam"^ Willard
[Massacliuseiu Archives. Ul. a86.]
Saco October 14 1725
May it please your Honner pursuant to your Honners Instructions
Capt Blanchard and 1 marched up Marrimack about one Hundard and
fiefty milles from Dunstable till we Came to Head of it we saw some
signes of a wigwarm where we supose some Indians had Been about six
weeks since and from Marrimack in about 3 milles we came upon Saco
River and Came Down sd River to Saco falls on wensday October 13 and
in y* evening come to winter harber to Capt Jordensand tooke some stores
of him for our subsistence, for we had not any Provision Laeft, for in the
morning we Before we came to Saco falls we fineshed all our provisions so
thai we had not any Laeft and we are now coming Home as fast as we
can we shall give your Honner more parlicurler acount in our Jomnal)
wh"* is all in hast from your Honners Humble Sarvcnt
For the Honble W" Dummer Escj' Sam':'- WlLiARD
[Massachusetts Archives, l.tl. 302.]
Captain Samuel was grandson of Major Simon Willard.
His father, Henry, who lived on the Still River farm, left
him a considerable estate whicli he largely increased.
Besides other lands he bought the "night pasture," the Ed-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - "725-
237
ward Breck lot, and the homestead of his grandfather.
He is reputed to have built and lived in the large house on
ihe Breck lot, near the railroad crossing just north of the
Lancaster station, wherein three generations of his descend-
ants succeeded him. He commanded the Fourth Massa-
chusetts regiment in the Louisburg expedition of 1745, his
son Abijah being captain, and hts son Levi ensign in the
first company of the regiment. The slate over his grave
in the old burying ground, records that the " Honourable
Coll Samuei, Willard Esq" died November 20, 1752, at
the age of sixty-two.
A Jfiuntall nf my March.
Thursday July 15 musleH at Lancaster
Friday July 16 I marclied (rum Lancaster to Rutland
Satturday 17 it was foul weather in ye forenoon
Sabbath iS 1 lixed the m^ out with the storex
Monday 19 We marched toward Ware River and then Camped and
sent out scouts & tracked some Indains & Hacrd two Guns
tuesday 20
Wensday 2 1
Like to Rain,
thursday 22,
Friday 23
c lay slill By Reason of foule weather
ve marched over Ware River & Camped for we saw it
we lay slille by Reason it Rained hard all day.
we marched about six milles & it Being very hot we camped
about y' middle of y* afternoon by reason of several of our weeke ttien
could not travele there packs Being so havy I sent out three scouLs &
ordered ihcm [to] travell five or six milles which they Did three severale
Satturday 34 we marched about seven miles northerly & sent out our
scouts which haerd a gun but Discouered nothing elce
Sabbath day 25 four of our men not Being able to travele I sent them
home who are by name Thomas Burl Rohert Gray Jacob Moor & Jere-
miah Belcher I also sent Joshua Parker Home with them we marched
Northeast about three milles
Munday 26 Lay stllle by Reason of rain we sent out scouts who
scouted about 3 mille Round but Discouered nothing.
Tuesday 27 we could not travele By Reason of Rain But we sent out
severale scouLs & Discouered nothing
Wensday 23 Mr William Brinlnall Being sick & Daniel How Lame I
sent them Home we marched about ij miles north and be Wast Round
some pounds and Camped at y* South end of Nockeeg pound and sent out
scouts 3 milles each way & Discouered nothing
=38
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Thursday 29 we marched North and be wast about nine milles and
corsed severale Branches of Millers Riuer and Camped and sent out
scouts which found where y* Indians had Ljved Last year and made a
Conoe at y' north End of a Long pond.
Friday 30. we marched North in y" fornoon & Came to a pound
which Run into Contocook Riuer in y afternoon we marched north wast
in all about 12 milks S: Camped at Peewunsenn pound and sent out scouts
4 milles and they found 2 wigwarms made last year they also found a pad-
dle & some squash shells in one of them which we suppose they caried
from Rutland
Saiturday 31 we marched 12 milles and I with 14 men CampI on y
top of Wannadnuck Mountains & Discouercd z6 pounds saw Pigwackett
Lying one point from sd mountain & Cusagee mountain and Winnepe-
seockey Lading north east from sd Wannadnuck the same Day we found
several old signes which y* Indaln^ had made the Last yaerSi where yy
campl when Ihey killed y' peaple at Rutland as we Imagine.
Saljbalh August y' i"" we marched from )■• wast side of Wenadnuck
& corsed three stremes that Run into Contocook and then Campt and sent
out Scouts and found two wigwarms made in June or July as we suppose
and found sixteen of those spitts which they Rost there meat with all in
sd wigwarms & one of our scouts went so far that thay could not Return
y' same night
Monday l we marched about seven milles & crosed a Grate Ilranche
of Contocook River & sent out our Scouts up and Down the River each
Scout traveled about 8 milles.
Tuesday 3 we marched N E about suiteen milles and campl and sent
out scouts who found many old signes of Indians
Wcnsday 4 we lay stilte By Reason of foule weather, we sent out our
Scouts and they haerd a Gun
Thursday 5 we marched about t6 milles northerly and crosed two
stremes thai Run into Merimack & sent out our Scouts and Discoucred
Friday 6. we marched about iS milles in the morning we found a mog-
erson Iracke. and spent some time scouting after sd Trackc we campt near
a Little pound.
Satturday 7 we traveled about 20 milles N £ and crosed two Stremes
that Run into Merimack
Sabbath 8 we Returned Homeward By Reason of our Indians Havtog 1
no Provision and several of our English But Little we come to a Streme
that Run into merimack we traveled about 24 milles South and By East.
'Monday 9 we traveled about East tilte we came to Merimack Being
about 10 milles and mctle with Capt. Blanchard coming from Pemisewas-
sett and in afternoon came to y" Lower End of Pennicook, which is about J
sixteen milles & campt
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 239
Tusday ro we Traveled 24 miiles Down Ihe [Merrimac] to Cohassell
falls.
Wensday 1 1 We came 14 miiles Sc came to Dunslable.
Thursday 13 Came 24 miiles and came to Lancaster
Sam'-'- Willaho
[Miissachusrlls Arcliiics. xxwlil. A 109-to,]
A Jniirnal of y March of Capt. Samuel IVillard accompamed tuitk
Capi. yps: Blanchard: /« Pursuit of y, Indian Rebells. Mustard at
Ijjiuasler friday Stp''. y 3'':
Sep' 4 Saturday Leiut. Warner marched w? all sd WiUards Com-
pany lo Grolon, except those of Lancaster.
Sabbath, si" Lay still by Reason of Rain.
Mund: 6: Capi Willard & those of Lancaster Rid 5: overlook Lt:
Warner & y' rest at Dunstable.
Tue.'wlay Wednesday & ihursday. Lay still by reason of hard rains.
Friday lo. We marched over y* River about 7 mile & campi.
Saturday 1 1" We marched up y* River lo Parkers Brook & campt.
Sabbath 12"' We lay still by reason of Rain.
Munday rj"! We marched up y* River to Neticoock & campt.
Tuesday 14"' We marched up sd River to Cohassetl falls & sent out
scouts. & campl.
Wednesday 15. We marched lo Ammoskeeg. sent out scouts and
Thursday 16. Wc sent a scout consisting of 40 men over y' River w"'
marched on y* west side. Capt. lilancher went to Hannichoockset falls &
campt. & Capt Willard went lo Suncook about 3 miles further & campt.
Friday 17 we marched to Pennicoock Lower falls. & Capt Willard &
Comp: went over on y" West side of y* River, & marched lo Pennicook
upper falls, & campt. This day Capt Blancher saw some shoe tracks, &
having gone up lo Henicook old fort found where they campt. & supposed
them to be scouts sent out from New Hampshire Governm' & sd Capt.
Campt a mile above y" fort.
Saturday 18. we marched about 3 mile above Coniocock River & there
Capt. Blancher came over lo y' West side of y' River, sent out scouts and
Sabbath 19. V Captains agreed lo send back a parcel of Men & look
their Provisions vi«' out of Capt lilanchera Compf 28 Men, out of Capt
WiUards Comp? 15 men; in all 43 men under y' coinand of Leiut. Comes;
two of Capt. WiUards men being sick, viz Abel Chapin had a apav" &
Benj" Atberton the Bloody Flux. & Rich'' Burck cut his leg willi a halchit
w* Disenabled him for y' service, being also one of Capi. WiUards men,
and all Included in y* said number of 43 men ;
340
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
MoDday :o We inarched to y* crotch of y* RK-er w°^ is about 70 miles
from Dunstable aad crossed y' West Branch, sent out scouts, St campl.
Tuesday 21. We marched toviard Piminachel, alias Pimtssiwassetl
about 1 1 miles, and sent out Scouts. & campt.
Wed. 22 We marched about 9 mile & seol out scouts & canpt ; this
day Bam' Davis cut his foot with a stone.
Thursday 23. We sent out scouts to y* River & up by y* side 4 miles,
and y* army by reason of Rain lay still.
Friday 24. Capt Willard ^ent back 1 1 of hb men & of Capt Blancli-
ers 8. which made 19., Some of w=''. were sick, viz of Capt. Witlards
men Jona. Adams. Ebenei' Policy of a flux. & Symon Atherion y* leaver S:
ague. & -lid Davis w*"" cut himself. The Capt". ordered thetn to take one
Conoe from y Crotch of y River where we had left y* rest. & ord^ y
rest shou'' be left for tear of any more sickness, after this marched about
6 mile & came to y* Kiver. & sent out scouts. & cnmpt.
Saturday 25 we marched about 6 mile & came to y* carrying place,
where y* Indians carry their Conoes from Pemichiwasset to Sowhalg River
& found that y* Indians had lately been there & Carried their conoes:
Capt Willard took half a scoui of his men & half of Capt. BUnchers
being in all 24 & followed y" Indians &^ little before we come to Cusumpy
Pond we found where they brook one Conoe & coming to y* Pond cou''
follow them noe further; & in y* mean time Leiul. Warner with 24 men
nut of both Companies scouted up y' River, & returned about y middle
of y" afternoon, & y" army being all met marched about 2 mile up y* River
j< campt.
Sept 25 Saturday We also examined Jos : y" Mohak (taking Nessa
Gawney for an Interpreter) which was the best way to goe to y* Fort he
told of: and he said we must goe up to y* head of merimack because there
svas noe goeing over y* hills neer Cusumpy Ponds.
Sabb" 26 We marched about 12 mile up y' River & sent out scouts &
Mund. 27 We marched about 12 mile & crossed a stream which ran
from y* Hills where Capt Lovel killed y* first Indian last winter & sent out
Scouts & campt.
Tuesday 28 We marched about 12 mile up y* River &. in about 3 mile
found a large Wigwam where y" Indians had lately been, as we judged
about 20 in number, and our Indians said there was Squ.iws as well as San-
nups, we tracked some of them as we Suppose through Ossippy. and aorae
up y* River, towards Night we crossed a stream of some considerable big-
ness Si. sent out scouts & campt.
Wednes. 29 We marched up y" River, about 14 miie, & come this day
to y' foot ol a great mountain on y West side of y* River, where y' stream
was small, we tracked Indians all this day which we suppose ware gone
directly to Canada, the mountains being steep & rocky we could not
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735.
^ck Ihem further. This morning we sec where they had been about at
week before (we supposed), built a Conoe, & judged them to be them
which we tracked from Pimichiwasset to Cusumpy Pond, & then campt.
Thurs*. 30 In y* morning sent a scout of 20 men about 4 or 5 mile up
y' River who made noe liirther discovery, after that we left y' River &
steared East about 3 mile up a very steep mountain, & campt by reason
of Rain ; having this morning examined Jos : (y' Mohauck) and he said
he did not kaow them woods, and did not think thai ihe hed of meri-
mack had been so fur up, & coii'' tell nothing without he found Sawco
Friday ocioT 1 : We marched up y' same hill about 6 mile, and being
on y" lop of y* hill cou Discover no where nigh us anything but steep
mountains, & marclied down y' hill about five mile, & we generally judged
said s mile to be 2 mile on a perpendicular, then campt by a small brook
w" ran out of y* mountain.
Saturday 2 We lay slill by reason of rain, but sent out some scouts
who discovered Meremack ran from y' .So E' round said mountain.
Sabbath 3 We marched S. E, up said River about 6 mile & came to
y* head of it, & then steared N. E. about three mile over a steep hill &
then came to y' head of Sawco River, and then marched down said River
about 1 1 miles East & we judged that River all y' way had fall j foot in
30 & mountains on each side thereof, Sent Scouts down y' River &
Mund : 4 This Morning Examin-' sd. Mohack, & said he cou'' tell
nothing till he came lower down y' River. We marched down said River
abour 5 mile & sent out Scouts, & campt by reason of rain.
Tuesday 5 This morning we came on some Entervalls & plain land,
& found where Indians have been in y* Spring, having found y* hoops
whereupon lliey Dried their Bear Skins, & we judged might he about 8 or
10 in number, this Uay we jud;;ed we marched about 24 mile & sent out
Scouts, & camped.
Wednes'! 6. we marched down y" River about 20 mile to y* place
where Capt. Lovel first came upon Sawco River 3 days before his fight at
y* mouth of a stream which he followed from Pigwacket hill. Sent out
Scouts. & Campt. We discovered a River y' come from y" N. W. into
Sawco River.
Thursd. 7: We Ex", said Jo. y' Mohauck. whether that was not y"
stream, whereupon the fort was, who s.iid he cou'' not tell whether it was
thai, or one lower. Capt; Willard & Illancher, took said Jo. with 30 of y*
ablest men & scouted up said N. W. branch about 10 mile, & found it 10
be a still stream fit for canoes with plenty of Entervals & old planting land
of y* Indians. & cou'' not learn anything encouraging from said Jo. & at
night returned to y" army. Perceiving Provisions to be short, thought it
advisable to stear homewards.
16
Friday 8 of Octob' we marched about 6 mile down j^ River, & Having
Campt by reason of Rain, sent scouts down y* River.
Saturday g. we marched down y* River to Pigwacket old fort about
|6 miles, & Capt. Wiltanl sent Leiut. Warner out with Leui. Wilder & 40
n from both Companies Into y* Neck of y" River & Ordered them to
meet y* Army where Capt. Lovil was killed, after meeting we marched
to y' lower end of Sawco pond, & sent oul scouts. & Cam|>l by y" Rivers
side, in all about 34 miles.
Sabb* 10. We marched about 26 mile & sent out scouts & campi, &
discovered Ossippy River about a mire below us,
Mun. II, We waded iliis morniug sd River marched about 20 mile
down y* River, & sent out Scouts & campt.
Tuesday 12 We waded this morning over another River & marched
down Sawco River about iH mile & came to Salmon lalls. sent out Scouts
& campt below )'* (alls.
Wednes: 13 We marched about 13 miles & came into Sawco (Ms.
having no subsistance, we marched down to Winter harbour 7 miles &
look some provisions from Capt. Jordan & lodged there.
Thursd; 14. It rained in >■* forenoon & in y* aflemooa marched to
Cape Porpus & there lodged, being about 7 miles
Frid : 15 We came to WeU about 9 miles & lodged (here, and there
parted w"< Capt. BUncher. who wcDt by Kingstown & Nuttield.
Saturd 16. We came to Kiltiry about t8 mile & lodged there.
Sabb: 17 We travill'' to Hampton blls & lodged there about 20 mile.
Mund. 18 Came to Andavor being about 13 mile
Tuesday ig. Capt. Willard Rid & got home that night, and y* rest of
the men got home, some Wednesday, some Ihursday & some Friday
being about 40 mile. So ihal from Lancaster la Capt. Willards March
accordin to his best Judgment & agreed with by }■* Comp' being in all 503
mile. p Desja. Goodkcixie C/erJt.
[M.issachusftW An^hivrs, XWVtll, .\. II9-21.)
LANCASTER MEN IN JOSEPH BLANCHARDS MUSTER ROLL
AUGUST TO OCTOBER 1725.
Oliver Wilder Lieut
Samuel Saw)-er Sergt
Joseph Whitcomb
Stephen Houghton
Ezra Sawyer
Thomas IJitel John
Jona Osgood
John Wheelock
Joseph Wilson
John Divoll
William Stevens
Jonathan Bay ley
Henry Sawj-er
pilAssachusens Archives, XI
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
243
LANCASTER MEN IN THE MUSTER ROLL OF CAPTAIN
SAMUEL WILLARD AUGUST TO NOVEMBER 1725.
Sam Willard Capt
Eleazar Warner Lt of Groton
Eleazar Robins 2^ Lt do.
Henry Willard Ens :
Benj». Goodridge Clerk •
Ephraim Wheeler
Moses Chandler
Joshua Phelps
Barnabas Tuel
Benj^ Atherton
Simon Atherton
Eben^ Polley
Richard Wiles
[Massachusetts Archives, xci, 175.]
MUSTER ROLL OF CAPTAIN JOSIAH WILLARD'S COMPANY
JUNE 3 TO NOVEMBER 10, 1725.
Josiah Willard Captain
Edward Hartwell Lieut
Jonathan Shepley Ens.
Aaron PVillard Sergt.
Philip Goodridge Sergt.
John Dean Sergt.
John Holden Corp
/sa4U Farnsworth Corp
Benjamin Corey Centinel
James Jewall
Samuel Davis
John Shepard son to Danl Shepard
Richard Rice
Saml Farnsworth son to Saml Farns-
worth
Benja Harris
Samuel Stow
Uriah Holt
Thomas Ross
Daniel Power
yohn Goodridge
Joseph Pa^e
Jona Willard
Won Ind. servt to Joseph Mainer
Benja Rugg
yonas Fairbanks
yohn Haywood
Daniel Albert
David Osgood
Jona Pierson
Edw. Pratt
Jeremiah Belcher
Saml Hardy
Ro* Gray
Thomas Bruce
Jer. D. Belcher
Joseph Woods
Rob* Gray \bis'\
Hezekiah Fletcher
Cyprian Stevens
Jona Lilley
Jona Temple
Jona Richardson
Walter Malone
Joseph Bennet
Benja Manning
William Qurrin serv'
John Shepley
Isaac Parker
Jona Hubbard
Joseph Lakin
Phineas Parker
Eben*^ Blood
Jon^ Borden
John Lakin
Isaac Woods
* .
•*^ . 7 >•■ •,••'
-k •
244
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Richard WiUs
Richard Gore
Richard WOes \bis\
JoHah WUherby
Andrew Watkins
Henry Houghton
John Wilder
John Wilder Junr son of Thomas
WUder
Simon Atherion son of James Ath-
erton
Thomas Fairbanks son of Jabez Fair-
banks
Nattf Nutting
Phineas Burt
Stephen Boynton
Eben' Jafts
Jno. Grout
Daniel Collins
Robt Mears
Josiah Corey
Jona Fisk
Lawrence Lacey
John Nutting
Daniel Kelsey
Timothy Barron
Names supposed to be of Lancaster are printed in italics. Residences are not
given in the roll. Captain Josiah was brother of Captain Samuel Willard. He removed
to Turkey Hills and became colonel in the French and Indian war.
THE BOOK OF LANDS.
ALL reports extant of the meetings of the proprietary
before A. D. 17251 have been given in full on previous
pages. The firist allotments, special grants, and successive
divisions of commons, were registered in the Book of
Lands. These v.duable records are continuous from
April, 1656, — when Ralph Houghton was instructed by
the Arbitrators to begin them, — to the laying out of the
last of the common land in 1835. The title to all the real
estate of Lancaster, Clinton, Bolton, Berlin, and much of
that in Harvard, Boylston and Sterling, is founded upon
ithese records. The original proprietors of the Nashaway
plantation, with the single exception of John Prescott. had
before the organization of 1653, abandoned, sold, or
iby inaction lost their rights in the company. Of the fifty-
five who signed the covenant before 1660, fifteen failed to
fulfill its requirements, and their corporate rights thereby
lapsed, while four names were added, making forty-four
members of the Proprietary. This number was soon re-
duced to forty by purchases. Among these forty men and
successors Lancaster's original territory, less a few
Special grants, was distiibuted. The first allotments each
comprised twenty acres of upland styled the "house lot,"
Rnd twenty acres of intervale. The special grants were by
way of inducement to persons desired as inhabitants, as
rewards for particular services, as a "conveniency," or as
allowance for highways, barren land, &c. The divisions
bf common lands were made from time to time, to the num-
ber of seven, each proprietor's share of the acreage dig-
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
tributed being proportionate to his original estate. Due
regard was always paid to differences in value arising from
situation and quality of soil, a well known field being fixed
upon as a guide fur estimation in the last respect. Very
generally the danger of prejudice in the distribution was
eliminated by giving the final determination to lot.
After the selection of the site whereon to plant the hearth-
stone, the pioneers naturally sought the lands that could most
easily be made to yield food for man and cattle. Daniel
Neal, writing about A. D. 1700, of "The Present State of
New England," tells us " The first Planters found the Grass
in the Vallies above an ell in Height; and consequently
pretty rank for want of cutting, but their cattle eat it and
thrive very well with it." The broad and fertile intervales
of the Nashaway doubtless formed a chief inducement to
the setdement here at so early a date. The rank growth
of natural grasses upon these comparatively treeless tracts
furnished abundant fodder for the winter supply to the cat-
tle, a matter of the greatest importance in those days,
when starvation often threatened the planters stock if the
deep snows belated the spring-tiine. The land of the
earlier divisions consisted, for tliis reason, of intervale and
meadow only, this latter designation being used in its older
meaning, grass land. The swamps and wooded uplands
obtained value as population increased.
Transfers of land find no place in these records save as
casually mentioned in descriptions, and — notwithstanding
the law of October 19, 1652, defining the only legal convey-
ance of real property to be by written deed and registry —
until several years after the settlement of Lancaster, we find
very few instances where the alienation of land was made
matter of record. John Cowdali's sale of the Symonds &
King trucking house site to John Prescott, in 1647, is found
in the Suffolk Registry, but neither Lawrence Waters'
transfer to John Hall, Hall's to Richard Smith, Smith's to
John Tinker, Philip Knight's to Tinker, nor Tinker's to
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
247
Major Simon Willard and Thomas Wilder, can be found
anywhere recorded. Very generally the pioneers made ,
their wills, and from these, and the settlement of estates,
we obtain many facts useful in ascertainhig the outlines of
home lots. The two maps inserted herewith are the out-,
come of a diligent study of the Hook of Lands, the Mid-
dlesex Probate Files, and the Registry of Deeds. In them
will be found the results of an honest endeavor to correctly
locate the homes of the earliest proprietons. While the
editor makes no pretence that the property lines are laid
down with the accuracy of a survey, he is not conscious of
having evolved one of them from any self-satisfying sapi-
ence of his own respecting the fitness of things, nor of
having placed one merely to suit dubious tradition. Facts
of record have fixed every starting point, and these will be
as clearly set forth as economy of space will admit, in the
proper places.
It should be borne in mind that the early surveyors made
very generous allowance for swag of chain, Inequality of
ground, et ctetera, and that the conventional term "more or
less," in old deeds rarely meant less. Swampy, rocky or
undesirable "slips'" and "angles" of land were sometimes
left between two lots in a range as common, or were given
to abutters without measurement, As for example : the
half home lot of Daniel Gains (who came after the first
allotments had been made), "a peice of Land that was left
by the Lolt of John Rugg and Goodman Kerly :" and the
swamp between the lands of Thomas Joslin and his son
Nathaniel, "the one half thereof belonging to Nathaniel
Joslin by the town's Gift, and the other to his father."
The plan of the present publication includes only the
location of "first allotments." The original Book of
Lands cannot be found, and the following extracts from
the transcript made by Caleb Wilder about 1763, prove
that he neither copied closely nor improved upon Ralph
Houghton's orthography. He knew of no mark of punctu-
ation but the colon.
''■•■' -,'
248
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
THE ESTATES OF THE FIRST INHABITANCE OF LAN-
CASTER
as thay are Entered in the old Book of Eateries by which the Lands in
Lancaster are all diuided Exept the first Lotts of upland and first Lotts of
Enteruail which was twenty acres Each Lott and the Rest of the Lands
both upland [and] Enteruail was Diuided acording to thair Estates to witt
four acres of meadow in Each deuision to a 100 pounds of Estate and
acordingly for a Grater or Lesser Estate as entered below and ten acres
in the second deuision of enteruail to euery 100 pounds of Estate and
acordingly for a Grater or Less Estate and one pound of Estate draws one
acre in euery deuision of upland Exept the first and fifth deuision and it is
now the Seuenth deuision.
/
s
d
/ X
«/
John Prescutt
366
15
Thomas Sawyer
no
William Carley Sen
270
00
Edward Brick
202 II
Ralph Houghton
264
04
William Carley Juner
186 GO
Edmond Parker
98
00
John Moors
no 00
Thomas James
36
00
William Lewis
285 09
John Johnson
30
00
John farrah
107 00
John Smith
58
19
Roger Sumner
232 00
James Atherton
69
5
Jonas fairbanks
172 00
Robert Brick
10
Jacob farrah
275 17
John Rugg
83
10
Richard Smith
3^3 13
10
John Lewis
18
10
Thomas Joslin
210 00
Henery Carley
78
4
Thomas Wilder
340 00
Richard Linton
90
Stephen Gates
314 00
John Whitcomb Jun
29
John Whitcomb
241 00
Mordicai Mackload
50
Larrance Waters
277 00
John Rigbe
50
John Houghton
250 00
James Butler
59
Jeremiah Rogers
310 00
Daniel Gains
50
Gamaliel Beman
210 00
John White
380
06
2
John Tinker
200 00
Phillip Knight
100
00
Joseph Rowlandson
200 00
John Roper
100
00
Nathaniel Joslin
15s 00
Richard Wheeler
300
00
THE NAMES OF THOSE THAT HAD 30 ACRE LOTTS
GRANTED THEM BY THE TOWN AFTER THE SET-
TELMENT OF THE TOWN.
John Bush
Samuel Bennitt
James Frost
John Priest
Caleb Sawyer
Jeremiah Willson
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 249
William Hutson Josiah Wheeler
John Hinds John Warner
Jonathan Moore John Willard
John Moors
The reason of these special grants is not found in records. With a single exception
they were laid out in the limits of Harvard and Bolton.
THE LANDS OF EDWARD BRICKE IN THE FIRST DEUISION.
House Lott, His house Lott upon which he builded his house Lyeth
on the east Side the neke in that Range of Lx)tts it being the first Lott
thare as it is Recorded in his Grant and it buts Eastardly upon penecooke
Riuer and westward it buts upon a highway that goes to quasaponikin en-
teniail and Southardly it is bounded by Sum Land that was Left for a
hiway and Sence is Laid out for a Cuntrie highway by Concord men and
it is bounded northardly by the Lott of Richard Linton now in the
possion of Ralph Houghton and it is Laid out for twenty acres be it more
or Less.
enteruail Lott. more he hath this enteruail Lott Lying on the east side
penicooke Riuer Lying at the north east end of Swans Swamp buting
easterdly upon the meadow Lott of John Moore and partly upon the upland
and westward it buts upon penecooke Riuer and it is bounded Southardly
by a highway that goes through the Swans Swamp to the Commons and
northardly it is bounded by the Lott of his son Robert Bricke and it Lyeth
for twenty acres be it more or Less.
Edward Breck came from Ashton, England. He was
in Dorchester, 1636, was made freeman, 1639, and in 1645
received a land grant on Smelt Brook conditioned upon
his erection of a mill there. He became prominent in Dor-
chester, being a selectman for several years both before
and after his brief residence in Lancaster, which was per-
haps shortened by the death of his wife in 1653. He died
in 1662. His house here was upon the east end of his lot,
which extended along the north side of the existing street,
twenty rods in width, from the wading place in the, main
river to the comer now occupied by Dr. J. L. S. Thomp-
son. This land and house came by purchase into posses-
sion of John Glazier, who came here from Woburn soon
after the settlement, and died October, 1688. It remained
in the ownership of the Glazier family until 1727, when
250 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
George Glazitr sold t( to Captain Samuel Willard, who is
credited with having built the old mansion on this lot, now
standing near the railroad crossing.
THE lASDS OF ROBERT BRICK.
iaujt Lott. his house LotI Lj-rth on the w«s( side the neck and on tbc
East side the norl Kiuer butiog nstcriy upon a highway U»t Goes betwcn
the two Ranges of Lotts and it buts weslerly upon the north Riucr and
SouUurdly il is bounded by Sum Laud of Richard Linton nhearon he hath
builded his house and nortbatdJy it is tMunded by the house Loci of John
Whitcomb Sener and It Lyelh for twenty acors be it more or Less.
Enteruitil Lj>lt . more he hath an enteruail Lon Lying on the easl side
of penitook Riuer bulling easterly upon the meadow Lott of John Moore
and westerly upon Penecook Riuer and It is bounded Southarly by the
Lott of his &ther Edward Brick and northarly it Is bounded by the Lott of
Raiph Houghton to Gether with a small quantity of Land the Grant whare-
of is to be seen in the old town Book Lying betwen his proper Lott and
the Lott of Ralph Houghton all Ljnng to him for his full due acording to
his first Giani \a the enteruail be it more or Less.
Recorded by me Rau-h Hoigmton Cltrk y* 2* of January 1666
Robert Breck, the son of Edward, married Sat^h Hawk-
ins in 1653. settled in Boston, and became a merchant —
never occupying his lot in Lancaster, which was opposite
llie public buildings-
THE LANDS OF RALi'H HOUGHTON.
hiippioll. The pp house Lott of Ralph Houghton is the third Lott
in that Kang of upland Lotts Lying on the neck on the west side of peni-
cook Riuer being bounded south by Richard Lintons Lott an north by the
Lott where he bought of John Prescutl buting easterly upon Penicook
Riuer and west upon that Rang of Lotis that Lyeth on the west side of the
neck whare Goodman Whttcomb tjueth
a Lott lu BougMi of Jakn PracMtl. hb house Lott which be bought of
John Prescutt being the fourth Lott in the same Kang of Lotts bounded
south by his own pp Lott and north by the Lott of James Allierton buting
Easterly upon Penicook Riuer and west upon another Rang of Lotts that
Lyes on the west side of the neck acording to the Record of Grants in the
old town Book which Lotts being Eight Score Rods in Length and tweitly
Rods wide : but now upon Exchange he stands possesied of the East end
MASSACrtUSETTS. 1643-1725. 25 1
of Richard Lintons Lott which is the second Lott in that Rang of Lotts
and Lyes on the north side of Edward Bricks Lott which is the first Lott
upon which he hath planted his house : in Lew whereof Richard Linton
hath his twenty acres at the west end of his own and the two Lotts of
Ralph Houghton as appears by a deed of Exchange betwext them Both
the Lotts of the said Ralph Houghton being and Lying for twenty acres be
thay more or Less thay being two home Lotts.
his Enteruail Giuen him by the town. His enteruaile Lott which was
Giuen him by the town lying on the East side of penicook Riuer being the
third Lott in that Rang of Lotts wherein Edward Bricks Lott is the first
Lying bounded by the Lott ot Robert Brick (so called in the old town
Book) on the south side and north by the Lott of Ralph Houghton which
he bought of John Prescutt buting east on the Still Riuer and west upon
Penicook Riuer and Lyeth for twenty acres be it more or less.
his enteruail he bought of John Prescutt. and his enteruail which he
bought of John Prescutt Lyes bounded south by his own pp Lott which
was Giuen him by the town and bounded north by James Athertons Lott
buting Easterly upon the Still Riuer and west upon Penecook Riuer which
is by Estemation and also by his deed of sale from John Prescutt fifty
acres:
Ralph Houghton was one of the four who first signed
the Lancaster covenant, in 1652, coming here, it is said,
from Watertown. He was then about twenty-nine years of
age. Being the best penman of the pioneers, he was made
clerk of records, and held that position until the massacre.
He was admitted a freeman in 1668, and elected deputy in
1673 and 1689. The date of his death is not found, but
must have been after 1692, as in that year he, with wife
Jane, transferred the northern half of his house lot to his
son Joseph. His children were Ralph ; James ; Mary, 11,
4*1653 ; John, 28, 2, 1655 ; Joseph, i, 5, 1657 ; Experience,
I, 8, 1659 ; Sarah, 17, 12, 1661 ; Abigail, 15, 5, 1664 5 Han-
nah, October 16, 1667. All but Ralph and James were
born in Lancaster. John and Hannah died October, 1679,
in Charlestown. Joseph Houghton sold his half of the
homestead to John Glazier, and he sold it to Simon
Stevens.
AXSAMS OF UaCASTEX.
THE lASBS OF PCHAKD USnOK
wu kSMs iM ^ Rsk Ho^kMo. b Laftd J
«lk«ac c^«f *e Lms «r LaOs ^ Ae sad'
K^fc tli^HB b«jg*e hni* tf ^ tavLow^ k booaded East
tf tte Mtf latSi S*^ hj Ik Lott ^ Ed^mi Oikk Mrth by Jantes
Adotwalik I«Da^ wAhyikLaa tf)ak>WliHMbSaKr. Also
■HKorL^ SfaaoES^^KblB D«c^b( hoMKMa StaMktb Cium
IM I9 riK *Pn «irf artitaMs CaHM bii^M iwifc >«] «cst by the
Civaid af Liw»-ti- Wtfes Mrtfc by Wafcai Badki Lou ao Buncd In
tlmtma»BmAmdAtt^a ij im>iIj Mi«>i^ lj»<c aad beng n&ir to
kit hoME L«(t afaneoii htmg fan ^^Hrf aad fan -iiMip neerc to the
fa>a of a BB^^c
xm Men or Lob K^Ofc at ife Saatfc «ad ■( yoaifaliii in the man-
er Md fam ol « Iriii^ bovded faj ike aoiA Raacr Kmsnk the north
iIk mfciaJ i gf Joka WUtamb l u a ^d^ ike Nvtk aad Sonthvani bj his
In September. 16^5, Richard Linton deeded his house
and lot in Waterlown Vo Robcn Sondersoo. About that
date, or perhaps earlier, he and his sonnD-Jaw. Lawrence
Waters, began life with their tamiUes upon the Nashavvay,
having beea induced by the first proprietors lo undertake
the task of preparing the way fur further settlement. He
died March 30, 1665. and by his will it would seem that
his wife Elizabeth outlived him. His house sttxd upon the
west wde of the present street, somewhere between the
residences of Miss Levantia Bradley and Henry M. Lath-
am, but he owned the land along the opposite side of the
way for Mxty rods, including the ground upon which the
public buildings stand. His daughter, Anne Waters, re-
ceived ten acres of this in trust for his grandson, Joseph
Waters. The other lands he left lo another grandson,
George Bennett, who being slain in the massacre August
22, 1675, Samuel Bennet, his son, succecdt:d to possession.
THE LANDS OF JAMES .ATHERTO.V.
Hottst LoH His upland Lolt for a house Lon Lyeth on Ihe east sldt
the neck buting easterdly on pcnictmk Riuer and westerly it IhiIs upon 1
i
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
253
another Rang of Lotts that Lyelh on Ihe west side the neck and it is
bounded Southerly by ilie Loit of Ralph Houghton and northardly by the
Lott of John While Lying for twenty acres be it more or Less.
Enternail Lofl More he hath an enteruailc Lott Lying on the cast side
of penicook Riuer buting caslerdly upon sum part of the Kosokio meadow
and weslardly upon penicook Riuer and Southardly it is bounded by the
Lott of Ralph Houghton and at tlie west end of it by the high way that
Runs sloping threw the Lott that goes to the meadows and northardly it
is bounded by the Lott of John White and it Lyeth for twenty acres be it
James Atherlon came here from Dorchester with wife
Hannah. He is thought to have been a brother of Major
Gent'tal Humphrey Athertnn. In Lancaster children were
born to him as follows : James, 1654 ; Joshua, 1656 ; Han-
nah, 1657 ; Mary, 1660; Elizabeth, 1666 ; Deborah, 1669 ;
Joseph. 1672, In 1697, being then of Milton, he conveyed
his land in Lancaster to his eldest son James, Jr. In 1703
the eastern part of the home lot is found in possession of
Joseph Wheelock, he having purchased it from Isaac Tem-
ple of Marlborough, The western portion had been
bought by William Divoll. James and James, Jr., were
then resident near Bare Hill, and Joshua near Still River
in Harvard. James, the father, died at Sherborn in 1707,
aged 84 years. The highway from the brick store east to
the neck road probably lies on the south side of the Ather-
ton lot.
JOHN WHITE'S LANDS.
No record of John White's first allotment is found in the
Book of Lands, though this is probably an omission of the
copyist. We know, however, that the house lot j'oined
Atherton's, and that his house stood upon the east end of
it. Direct descendants have resided upon the land until
modern days, and perhaps the first settler's home was on
or quite near the site of Edward Houghton's residence.
Goodman White, however, owned the land across the high-
way, bounding upon the river. He came here from Salem,
where he was admitted an inhabitant in 1639, and had an
1
254
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
estate in what is now Wenham, upon which his eldest sou,
Thomas, remained. He brought with him to Lancaster
his wife Joanna, a son Josiah, Elizabeth, who married
Henry Kcrlcy November 2, 1654, Mary, wife of the Rev-
erend Joseph Rowlandson, and Hannah, who married John
Divcill in 1663, He had also mamed daughters Joanna
and Sarah. His wife died in 1654. Hannah, the young-
est daughter, we learn from his will, was " a nurse to him
in his old age," and the Lancaster estate was bequeathed
to her and her brother Josiah. John White died in the
spring of 1673, his will being signed March 10, and offered
for probate May 28th of tliat year. His son Josiah died
November 11, 1714. The famous Indian fighter. Captain
John While, was son of Josiah.
THE LANDS OF WILLIAM LEWIS
house Lett. Iiis upland Lott for a house LoH Lying in that Rang of
Lotts on the west sitle penieook Riuer on Ihe neck and it is hounded
southwardly by the Ijjii of John While and norlhardly it is bounded by
the Lott of John Lewejs his son and Kasterdly It buls upon Ihe said peni-
cook Riuer and westardjy it buts upon an other Range of Lotts that was
Laid on the west side the neck a high way Running Cross the Lott near
the east end of it to quasaponikin hill and It Lyelh for twenty acres be it
more or Less
hii euleruail Lott. More he hath his enteruail Lolt Lying on the esst
side penecook Riuer and it Lyeth Ijoundcd southardiy by the Lotl of John
White northardly by the Lolt of John Leweis and it buts castcrdly upon
part of the liasokie meadow and wej^tardly it buts upon penicook Riuer a
high way Runing through it to the meadows and other Lands below it
which is allowed for in meashuring the Lntl Laid out for twenty acres be it
William Lewis was of Roxbury, where he was made
freeman in 1642. His children were John, bom in Eng-
land, 1635; Christopher, 1636; Lydia. born in Roxbury,
1639; Josiah. 164 1 ; Isaac. 1644; Mary, 1646; and Han-
nah, 1649, He deeded to his son Christopher the eastern
half of his home lot. April 19, 1662. He died 1671, loth
I
i
I
month, 3d day, leaving by will his house and land to his
wile Anne and son Isaac. Mary became the wife of Josiah
While. Lydia married Mordecai MacLoud.
THE LANDS OF JOHN LEWEIS
Houit IMt. his upland Lett for a house Lott Lyeth in that Rang of
Lolls on the east side the neck buting Easterdly upon penicook Riuer and
wostardly it buts upon a Rang of Lolts thai Lyelh on the west side the
neck and it is bounded southardly by the Lott of William Leweis his &ther
and norlhardly it is bounded by the Lott of Thomas James a higli way of
5 Rods Runing Crosse it near the east end of it to quasaponikin hill and It
Lyeth for twenty acors be it tnore or Less.
tHieriiaU Lott. more he hath his eniuniail Lott Lying on the east side
of penicook Riuer bounding Southardly by the Lott of William Leweis his
father and norihardly it is bounded by the Lott of Thomas James and it
buts eaalerdly upon sum part of the hosokie meadow Liking in sum swamppy
land their for his Conuenicncie in the 3 deuision and also for allowance for
the highway that Runs Sloping through his Lott. and westardly it buls
upon penecook Riuer and it is Laid out to him for twenty acres be it more
John Lewis, son of William, had by wife Hannah chil-
dren born in Lancaster, as follows : Barrachia, 1663 ; Re-
beccah, 1665 ; Patience, 166S; Jolin, 1671 ; William, 1673.
At the massacre he removed to Dorchester, where were born
Hannah, 1678; Thankful, 1680; and Judith. He built a
house in Dorchester in 1679, and was living there in 1687,
whence it may be inferred that he did not return to Lancas-
ter. Josiah White obtained the Lewis lands.
THE LANDS OF THOMAS JAMES
hU House Lott. the house Lott of Thomas James Containing twenty
acors is ihe ninth Lott Lying on the neck of Lind on the west side of peni-
cook Riuer buting east upon the Riuer and west upon another Rang of
Lotts that Lyeth on the west side of the neck bounding south by Ihe Lott
of John Leweis and north by the Loll of Edmon parker being eight Score
Rods in Length and twenty Rods wide and Lyes for twenty acres be it
more or Less a high way of fine Rods wide Runing ouer Crosse ii to
quosaponikin hill near about the mide! of the Lott.
his entiruail His enteruail is also the ninth Lott Lying on the east
side of penicook Riuer being Eight Score Rods in Length and twenty
bs6
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
I
Rods wide and Lyeth for tweniy acres be it more or Less buling east upon
t highway that goes lo ihe plumtrces and to the meadows and enleruaik
md buting west on penicook Riuer bounded Soulh by tho Lot! of John
Wilis and north by the Loll of Edmund Parker.
Thomas James had a wife Elizabeth, and a son John
born in Charlestown, i8. .11. .1632. He left his property
Q Lancaster to his cousins, the Lewises, and Christopher
Lewis sold the east end of the house lot, between the river
and the highway, to Josiah While, in 1705. Thomas
James died March 15, 1660.
EDMUND PARKER'S LANDS.
The copyist of the Book of Lands has omitted Edmund
Parker's estate from the records. His house lot was be-
tween that of Thomas James and John Farrar's, and of the
same extent as theirs. Edmund Parker came here from
Roxbury with wife Elizabeth [Howe], and children Eliza-
beth, born 1649, and Abraham, born 1652, There were
born to him here Mary and Esther. 1654, and Deborah,
1655. The wife died June 9, 1657. Ralph Houghton has
left us a very unflattering account of the family, which can
be found in previous pages. They disappear from Lan-
caster at the massacre, returning to Roxbury. In Parker's
will, dated Roxbury, April 13, 1692, he mentions all the
children above named, and makes his "trusty & well he-
loved Friends John Moore and Thomas Wilder Liuet. both
of Nashaway whole and sole executors." He probably
died early in 1694. as his inventory is dated May 28th of
that year. By the will Josiah White was to have the east-
ern part of the home lot at appraisal. The executors were
to sell the rest,
I THE LANDS OF JACOB FARRAH THAT HE BOUGHT OF
JOHN FARRAH
Ais house Lott. and he hath also a house Lott which he had from his
■ brother John farrah Giuen by him and ConArmed and Rattified by the town
VWhich Lott Lyeth on the Neck on the west side of penicook Riuer budng
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
25?
east upon the said Riuer and west upon aaother Rang of Lotts that Lyes
.t side of tlie neck bounded South by the Lott of Edmon parker
and north by the Lolt of Roger Sumner at the west end and by the Com-
t end and by sid Land of Jeremiah Rogers which Lott
being Eight Scoore Rods Long and twenty Rods wide and Lycth for
twenty acres be it more or Less
The Farrar brothers were from Lancashire. John, after
a brief stay here, went to Woburn. where ht; was admitted
an inhabitant in 1656, and there died "very old," in 1690.
John Houghton and wife Mary [Farrar] transferred the
above house lot to George Glazier in March, 1706.
THE LANDS OF ROGER SUMNER.
kin house lj>tt. The house Lott of Roger Suniner Lyeth on the neclt
bounded South by the Lott of Jacob farrer north by a high way betwen it
and the house Lott of Gamaliel llcman eastward by the high way that
Goes 10 quosaponiliin liill and west by !|a] parcel of upland Giuen to his
father in Law Thoma,s Juslin the said house Lott being laid out for twenty
acres be it more or Less-
hU etUefuail Lett his enteruail Lott Lyeth at quosaponikin contains
more or Less twenty acres Southai'dly bounded by the Lolt of Nathaniel
Joslin northardly i)y Gamaliel Beman westerdly by the North Riuer easterly
on llie high way Runing belwen It and the meadow.
Deacon Roger Sumner, the son of William, bom in
England, came here from Dorchester, where he had been
made freeman in 1657. He was a member of the church,
and August 26, 1660. was dismissed in order that he might
assist in organizing a church at Lancaster. His wife was
Mary, daughter of Thomas Joslin. Their children were
Abigail, 1657 ; Samuel, 1659; Waitslill, 1661 ; Mary,
1665 ; Jaazoniah, 1668; Rebecca, 167 1 ; William, 1673;
Ebenezer, 1678. Deacon Sumner left Lancaster at the
time of the massacre, returning to Dorchester. He died
in Milton. May 26, 1698, aged sixty-six years. The house
lot above described extended along the south side of the
highway that leads west from Lane's Crossing. The land
rights of Roger Sumner were purchased of his sons Wil-
liam and Samuel by the brothers Edmund and Ebenezer
258 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
■ Harris, who came to Lancaster from Sudbury about 1708.
THE LANDS OF JEREMIAH ROGERS
House Loll, liis house Lott Lying on ihc neck on Ilie east Side thare A
of near to a Brook that we pnss oucr to go to qu^'niponikin liill their being '
ten acors or tharc abouts Lpng bonniled SoUthardly by the Loll of Jacob
furrah and northaiidlj' by sum Common Land whicli since was Laid
him for Second deuision and westerdly ii is bounded by the highway that
goes to quosaponikin hill and eastcrdly it is Ixiunded by a Swamp that i
Lyech betwen the Slated Common and it and he hath ten acres more or j
their abouts Lying at the South end of a peice of Land called Pine hilt •
bounded norlhardly by the said pine hill and Southardly it is bounded
partly by the house Lott of Jacob farrar and jjartly by sum enteruail Land
of his own and easterdly it buts partly upon Pcneeook Riuer and partly
iipon his own eniemail Land and westerdly it buls upcm the staled Com-
mon called Umber plain both the aforsaid pcrcells of Land is Laid out J
unlo the said Jeremiah Rogers for 20 acres be it more or Less.
enleruail. His Lott of entcruail as it was Granted by the town and '
Laid out in two pieces one peice whereof Lyeth near to a pcice of Land
called pine hill bounded northward by sum part of his own house Loll
that Lyeth betwen it and the said pine hill and southardly il is luHindcd
by sum enteruai! Land of Jacob farrars that Lyelh at the end of his home
Lott and easterdly it buts upon penicook Riuer ouer agailist an Indcn w
Called Jame;ies ware and westerdly It buts upon sum part of his own I
house Lott there being fix acors or there abouts and another jiart ihareof \
Lying in the outermust side of the Sound Land at quosaponikin entcruail
and Lyeth bounded Southerly by the Lott of Gamaliel Iteman and norlh-
ardly by a high pine hill and it buls weslardly upon the North Riuer and
Easterly upon a high way that Leads into the euteruail swamp that is
Laid out for second tleuision this benig fourteen acres or thare atrauls both
which parcels of entcruail are Laid out to the said Jeremiah Rogers for
twenty acres be It more or Less.
Jeremiah Rogers was from Dorchester, At the massa-
cre he returned thiiher, and there died September 26, 1676,
leaving a widow. Ablah, who, with two daughters, Abigail
and Balhsheba, died of small-pox in March, 1678. His
children were Margaret, 1653 ; Ichabnd. 1659 ; Hittabel,
1662 ; Jehosaphat, 1663 ; Abiah, 1664 ; Bathsheba, 1667;
Israel, 1671 ; Susanna. 167^'^ ; also Jeremiah, Abigail
and Sarah, the dates of whose births are not found.
The Rogers hou^e lot is cut in twain by the old turnpike,
t
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735.
259
and included the upper brick yard of Samuel R. Damon,
the Anthony Lane homestead, and the lands of Emoryf
White. May 12, 1710, Jtremiah Rogers of Salem, wheel-
wright, and Jehosaphat Rogers of Topsfield. tailor, sold
their father's lands to Edward Phelps, weaver, from An-
dover. Rogers had sold, in 166,;. one hundrt'd acres of
his outlying land to Henry Kimball, a blacksmith of Boston.
THE LANDS OF GAMALIEL BEMAN
House Lett His house Lolt being ne.\r utito Quosnpontkin Brook
bounded by Sum Common Land that sence wa.s Laid out to himself for
seconil deuision on the north side of it and South It is bounded bya higli-
way that Lj-eth betwen the Lotl of Ruger Sumner and it buts easlerdly
upon a high way that Goes lo quosapomkin hill the southeast corner
of it and at the northeast Corner it huts upon Sum Land Laid out to
nalhaniel Josllu and Roger Sumner for second deuision and it buts west-
ardly upon Sum Comon L.tnd Laid out to himself for second deuision
Lying for twenty acors be it more or Less.
hh enter uail l-oti- His enttruaile Lott Lyeth at quosaponilan Inler-
uail buting west upon the North Riuer and east upqn sum swampy brushey
Ground that Lyelh between sum meadow of Stephen Gales and this Lotl
a hignway Runing at the eand of it bounded Souihardty by the Lot of
Roger Sumner and north by the Lotl of Jeremiah Rogers and Lyelh for
twenty acres be it more or Less.
Gamaliel Beaman came from England in the -Elizabeth
and Ann. A. D. 1635, and settled in Dorchester. In 1659,
being then thirty-six years old, he came to Lancaster,
bringing a large family. At the time of the massacre he
returned to Dorchester and there died March 23, 1678.
An indication of their poverty at this date is the fact that
the tax-ratea of Gamaliel, Sen., Gamaliel Jr.. John and
Thomas Beaman are set down in the Dorchester Records
as "Desperate Debts." The Beamans were among the first to
return to Lancaster upon its re-settlement. John and Gam-
aliel set up new houses on their father's lands at Wataqua-
dock. John, Jr. , lived upon the old homestead on the neck.
The children of Gamaliel, Sen., and Sarah (Clark) Bea-
lan were John, 1649; Joseph, 165 1 ; Gamaliel, 1653;
26o
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Thomas, 1654; Mary, 1656; Sarah, 1658 — all born before ]
the family came from Dorchester ; and Noah. 1661 : Thanlt-
fuli 1663; Mehitabel, 1667, born in Lancaster. John
Seaman's headstone in the old burial ground records that
he died 1740. aged ninety years. His son Gamaliel, bom
in 1684, was the first settler in Woonlcsechocksett, now
Sterling. Thankful m.lrried Nathaniel Wilson who, in
1694, sold to William Sheafe Gamaliel Seaman's "house
and lot in Lancaster."
THE LANDS OF LAWRENCE WATERS
his houst Lolt. The house \ja\i of Lawrence Waters part whareof Lies
in that feild Ite hath enclosed by his house their being six acors and half
and nine acors of enteruail in that feild butting south upoo the high way
lliat Lyes between the Carting place in the north Riuer aod it bounds
north upon the Lolt or orchard of Richard Linton and upon the Lott of
Robert Brick and bounded east by a highway that Goes 10 quasaponikin
meadows and west and south west by the North Riuer upon which he hath
planted his house garden and orchard both which persels of upland and
Enteruail being parte of his house Lott and enteruail Lott more he halh
a part of his upland Lott Lying ou the east side of the Swans Swamp
being about thirteen acres and half or thare abouts : bounded South by a
brook and north by a hill at the side of the pine plain and west by the
Swans Swamp and buting east upon a Liltel Corner of a plaine:
kis tnleruail Lott More he hath eleuen acres of enteruaile Lying on ibe
east side of Penicook Riuer butting east upon the high way that Goes to
the Plumtrees and west upon the Riuer It L3'es bounded South by sum
common enteniail Rcserued for a lott and north by sum enteruail that was
sum time Laid out for a Lott to Goodman Wilder: all which parci^ls of
upland and enteniuil Lying for his upland l^lt and enteruail Lolt and
Lying for fourtie acres be Ihay more or Less.
Lawxence Waters, a carpenter of Waterlown, was one
of three sent up, in 1645, by the grantees of the Nashaway
Plantation, to make suitable preparation for their own com-
ing. Sy his wife Ann Linton he had six children born in
Watertown : Lawrence, Feb. 14. 1635; Sarah. Dec. 7.
1636; Mary, Jan. 27, 1638: Rebecca, February. 164O;
Daniel, Feb. 6, 1642; Stephen, Jan. 24, 1643: and the
following born in Lancaster: Adam. 1645 (?); Joseph,
April 29, 1647 ; Jacob and Rachel, March i, 1649; Sam-
*tiri. Feb. 14, 1651; Joanna, March 26, 1653; Ephraim.
Jan. 27, 1655. The proprietors assigned him a lot upon
which he built a house, probably the second building
erecttd by white men in Lancaster, (the trucking house on
George Hill being the first). This hfiuse was situated in
the grounds now uwned by Caleb;Symme8, Esq. Waters,
before 1650, had sold his home' to John Hall, and it became
the property successively of Richard Smith, John Tinker,
Major Simon Willard, Cyprian Stevens, and Simon Stev-
ens, Waters removed but a few rods, building on the lot
above described, the chief portion of which is now the
homestead of S. J. S. Vose, Esq. He became a freeman
in 1663. After the massacre of 1676. we find him with his
wife, and Samuel with his wife and two children, seeking
shelter in Charlestown, where Stephen became responsible
to the authorities for them. Lawrence Waters was then
blind. He died December 9th, 1687, in Charlestown, aged
about eighty-live years, outliving his wife seven years.
Joseph Waters came back in 1679, and occupied part of
his father's and grandfather's lands. In the distribution of
the estate of Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder, in 1709, there
was given to Oliver, the youngest son, "upland ;ind Inter-
val where Lawrence Waters formerly Dwelt about fifteen
acres,'' and the inventory shows that it had been bought of
John Skeath, the husband of Waters' oldest daughter,
Sarah. In 1714, Simon Stevens, whose wife was Mary,
daughter of Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder, sold to Hooker
Osgood " Lawrence Waters' lot on the Neck bounded
southerly and easterly by y'' Highway, west and south west
by the River." Adam Waters, perhaps the first born of
English parents in Lancaster, in 1663 bought John Smith's
tot upon George Hill. He died 1670, at Charlestown.
THE LANDS OF MASTER JOHN TINKER
t bought of Richard Smith. His house Lott which he
d Smith is a Lott that Lyeth by it Self and Lyes Iwunded
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
South by the North Riuerand butseast upon a peice of Enteruait Called the
night paustcr and west upon ihe high way that Goes from the Bridge by
goodman Waieises la quasapODikiD ninadows and it is bounded north by
the Counlie highway that goes allong from Goodman Waterses to Peni-
cook Riuer it being first a home Lott Giuen by those that first had lo do
with the place to Goodman Waters aod he built a house upoo it and sold
it to Goodman hall whose wife sold it to Richard Smith the said Goodman
hall being in England and sending for his wife which Lutt Lar for twenty
acres but upon exact mesur acordtng to Ltbertie Granted by a town order
Recorded in the old town book it was found lo be but Seuenteen acres
which is made up with and by a peice of Land Lying on the east side of
the North Riuer bounded east by a hill of upland and west by the North
Riuer butting soulh upon the Loll of Thomas Joslin and north also upon
sum eoieruail of ihomas Joslia
Ais eniiruail Lott he bought of Richard Smith, and the enieruail Lott
he bought of Richard Smith lycth on the east side of penicook Riuer at
ihe meeting of the Riuers butting west upon Ihe Riuer and east upon the
upland on the cast side of the still Kiuer and bounded south by John
Ru^s Loll and north by John Rigbes Lott, which Lott was Laid out to
Richard Smith for twenty acres
his iKiitt house Lett at GibsoH hill. His own upland Lott Giuen him by
the town is known by the name of Gibson hill which is twenty acore of
upland \yt it more or Less bounded by a streai or highway west that goes
betwixt two Ranges of Lolls and butting east upon the Commons bound-
ed south by the house Lott of John Moors and north by the meadoW that
is Master Rowlandsons.
his enteruail. His enieruail Lott tea acorsofit Lying on the west ude
of the North Riuer butting cast upon the Riuer and west upon Sum Com-
mon upland tliat Lyes by or near to the house of William Kerley Jun
bounded southardly by the Loit [of] goodman Hrescutt that was Giuen
him for bulding a Corn mill and north by ifae Lott of John Johnson: and
ten acors of which Lies on the West Side of the Still Riuer buling east
upon the Riuer and west upon the Lotls of John l^weis and Ihomas James
botindcd South by a high way that Goes to the meadows and to the ponds
and north by a Swamp or Swampy Ground in which thare Lies a peice of
meadow of Jatnes Atherlons and in which Lott of enieruail there Lies a
Spung of meadow Lotted out to Goodman Smith and James Atherton.
John Tinker was of Windsor, Connecticut, in 1643, 1
\vbenc<; he came to Boston, where we tind him living in a
hired house, 1651. In 1653 he appeared before the Mid-
dlesex Court as attorney Tor the defendant, in the case of 1
" Hernaon Garret & John Shawe vs. John Hall, for taking
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1735.
263
away pari of theire night pasture fence," and won for his
clients. In 165^, Tinker was made freeman, and the next
year joined the petitioners for "Groiiteii a new plantacon . .
formerly knowne by t!ie name of Petapawag," and in the
grant was appointed one of the seltctmen. For a year or
two thereafter he seems to be wavering in his choice of
residence between Lancaster and Groton, until perhaps the
town's gift of Gibson Hill decided him. He was at this time
and afterwards an Indian trader, buying beaver, otter and
other furs, then abundant in the region about, from the
native hunters. What manner of exchange he paid for
them other than peage or wampum and "trucking cloth,"
we may imagine, for the Court records show that in 1655
be was fined ten shillings "for selling now & then a gill of
strong waters to y'' Indians," contrary to the law of 1654,
which imposed a fine of twenty shillings for each pint so
sold by persons not specially licensed. The original duly
witnessed notes of hand exist which show that prominent
men of the Nasliaway tribe became so deeply indebted to
him as to mortgage the prospective gains of two hunting sea-
sons for payment. In 1658 he was licensed as trader "of
Nashaway & Groaten for y" year," paying eight pounds for
the privilege. The "Mr." prefixed to his name assures us
that he was either a graduate of some university, or had
occupied high social rank in England- Only he and Rev-
erend Joseph Rowlandson, in Lancaster, were dignified
witli this title before the coming of Major Simon Willard.
Master Tinker was probably yet a young man when in
September, 1657, the commissioners appointed to order the
affairs of Lancaster placed his name first in the list of five
men chosen to manage the prudentials of the town. His
wife Alice was then twenty-seven years old, and of his two
children, Mary and John, the oldest was four years of age.
Tlie town had given him twenty acres in a central and de-
sirable position, known as Gibson's Hill. He purchased of
Richard Smith the original house and lot of Lawrence
»64
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Waters, and of Philip Knight the house and lot next to \
Prescott's home on the slope of George Hill. Two soas 1
were born lo him, Amos and Samuel, and he was prosper-
ous, and honored of his neighbors; but through failure of I
health, or because the field proved too limited for his [
abundant ability and ambition, the town was soon to lose
his valuable services. In the Court files of Middlesex is '
this undated letter, probably of the winter 165S :
7'ir the hona"' County Court at Charht<r.viie.
Right Wor'II be pleased lo underataad ihal the Lord halh visited mc
of late with 3 fitts of sikneas one after another uppon my jornies to and fro.
sine which I have bin very tender & have not atained my perfect helth to
travell this sharpe winter season, wherefore intreat though I am one of the
Grand iury that I may be excused for this prcasent and 1 shalbe redy at
the pleasure of this hon"" Court to doe the best service I can for y* County
and shall thankfully abide with my duty presented
VoVdevoted humble servant Jso. Tinker
Before the year 1659 he had removed to Pequid, now
New London, and was there winning respect and distinc-
tion. The next year he wa,s deputy to the general court,
and became assistant. The court licensed him to distill
and retail liquors, and gave him complete monopoly of the
trade in the township. Being on the road to wealth and
fame, he died in October, 1662. The public esteem for
him is shown by the fact that the expenses of his illness
and funeral were paid from the State treasury. Major
Simon Willard obtained possession of his Lancaster prop-
erty, above described.
the: lands of john whitcomb sener
home Lott. his house Lott Giuen and Granted by the town Lycth on
the west side fof the] neck being twenty acors bounded [south] by the
Lott of Robert Brick and north by the Loti of his son John Whitcomb
buting east upon the Lotts that Ly upon the east aide tlte neck and bul-
tlnit we»( u|>on his enteruail a high way Kuning Cross it to quasaponikio
cnlcruail.
EnleruaH IMt. Aand his enteruail Lott part of it Lying on the east
aide the North Riuer iharc being by Estimation about (ifieen acors and
643-17'S-
a half bounded west by the North Rtuer and east by bis upland Lott bal-
ing South upon the Loll of Robert Brick that v/ns Granted him by Ihe
(own and butting north upon the cnteruail lj3tt of his son John Whilcomb :
nine acors of enteruail at quasaponikin belwen his son John Whitcomb
and him either of Ihum hauing an Equal! pportion that is either four
acors and half but it was nol diuided between them when it was Laid out
the whole being bounded southardly bj^ a high way that Goes between the
me.idow l.olt of Ralph Houghton and it and it is bounded north by a
Lott of Stephen Gates and westardly by the North Riuer and nouth west by
a Loit ot Richard Linton this four acres and half makes up ihe other fifteen
and half his full Lott of twenty acors acordlng lo the town Grant but
acording to Liberty Granted by a. town order the fifteen acres and half
exactly meashuered it was found to be but fourteen acres and half and so
it is an acre wanting which is Laid out together with his second deuision
of cnteruail.
John "Whetcomb" — as the name is always spelled in our
earliest records — was of Dorchester in the year 1635, but
removed to Scituale in 1644, and to Lancaster in 1652.
He died September 34, 1662, leaving a wife Frances, who
survived until 1671. His children were John, Jonathan,
Job, Josiah, Robert, Catherine, Abigail and Mary, all born
before the coming of the family to Lancaster. John Whit-
comb died intestate, and the widow and children mutually
agreed upon a division of the property, which was approved
by the Court. By the inventory it is shown that the chief
products of the farm in 1662 were corn, tobacco and flax.
The present post-office and bank building are probably
upon the Whitcomb lands. Both Ihe father's and son's
house lots extended across the street eastward, meeting the
other range of lots upon the neck.
THE LANDS OF JOHN WHITCOMB JUNER
Ms keiise LdU his house Lott being twenty acors Lying on the west
side the neck Lying Bounded South by his father his Lott and north by
the Lott of Stephen Gates butting west upon his own enteruail Lott and
east upon the end of the Lolts of the Inhabitance that Line on the east
side the neck It being by Estimation twenty acres be it more or Less
entiruail Lott His enteruail Lott lying on the east side the north
Riuer part of it their being about fifteen acors and a half bounded south
by his Others enteruail and north by the Lott of Stephen Gates butting
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
easterly upon his own upland Lott aati westerly upon ihe north Riiier ami
four acors and half Lying at quasaponikln entcrujil Lying in Common
with 4 acres and half of his fathers
In the division of the estate of John Whitcomb, senior,
liis hoiut; lot was assigned to John and Jonathan jointly,
and tilt; house lot whiuli had been John's was allotted to tlie
youngest sons. Job and Josiah. Job did not return at the
re-settlement of the town, but followed the Reverend Joseph
Kowlandson to Wethersfield, Robert settled in Scituate.
John and Jonathan, April 7, 1683, were conveying hay
across the Penecook upon two canoes, when by the boats
sinking the former was drowned. He left a widow Mary
and two daughters, Ruth and Sarah. Ruth married Wil-
liam Divoll. Jonathan Whitcomb died in 1690, and his
widow, Hannah, was killed by the Indians two years later.
Their children were Hannah, 1668 ; Jonathan, 1669 ; Han-
nah, 2d, 1671: Abigail, 1674 ; Elizabeth; Mary: Kalht;r-
ine ; Ruth ; John. 1684. Jonathan inherited the home
estate, and in 1696. with his cousins William DivotI and
Sarah Whitcomb, entered into a mutual agreement whereby
the whole Whitcomb estate was divided by east and west
lines, upon both sides of the highway, into tliree equal
divisions, each abutit twenty-two rods in width. Josiah
Whitcomb married Rebecca Waters and set up his home
in the southeast part of what is now Bolton. His children
were Josiah, 1665 ; David, 1668 ; Rebecca, 1671 ; Johanna,
1673; Mary; Oamaris; Abigail; Hezekiah. 1681 ; Debo-
rah, 16S3. He died April 12, 1718.
The original lot of John Whitcomb, junior, assigned in
the agreement mentioned above to Job and Josiah, was by
them sold to John Moore, senior. He dying in i7o3, Ben-
jamin Bellows, his administrator, sold it to Josiah White,
who, July, 1708, transferred it to John Bowers, describing
it as "bounded Northerly by Peter Joslin, southerly by
William Divoll, west by the River, easterly by another .
range of Lotts, a highway crossing said Land near the j
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 267
Dwelling house, also all other housing, fencing, /brtifica-
tions^ orchard garden &c." A very old headstone in the
first burial ground is inscribed "John Bowars," and upon
its footstone is '*D : 1718." John was the grandson of Benan-
uel Bowers, bom 16S6, and married Elizabeth Stevens of
Lancaster, November 17, 1707. His children were Eliza-
beth, John, Mary and Nathaniel. The inventory of his
estate amounts to 436 pounds 11 shillings, and from one
item in it we derive the estimated value in 17 18 of a chat-
tel somewhat rare in Lancaster : ''one bought servant \<)Sr.
THE LANDS OF STEPHEN GATES.
his house Ijott. The bouse Lx>tt of Stephen Gates : is on the neck Ly-
ing north to the house lx>tt of John Whitcomb Juner bounded by the
saaid Lott of John Whitcomb south by the house Lott of Nathaniel Joslln
north by a Rang of Lotts Easterly which Lyeth on the west side of Peal-
cook Riuer and westward by a peice oi enteruail of his own nigh adioining
to the North Riuer the said house Lott being Laid out for twenty acors
more or Less :
enieruail Loti. His enteruail Lott Containing more or Le» twenty
acors partly Lyeth in one peice at quasaprjnikin thirteen acors more or
Less bounded soathardly [by a piece] of enteruail of John \V'hiux»s:bs
northaidly [by the lot] of Mordica Maclode west by the North R:-i er ^asid
east] by sum meadow of Edward Brick and 'seven acre*^ more or Lca%
lyeth betwen his house loott and the N'^^rth Riuer bo'azsdec is Like
maner by Naihawiel Jos'ins Lott north and John Whlrcooib^ v>:.ib z^
house Lott [east and] said Riuer west
He hath hi* Second deuision of ^:pIaAd Lying to the o: h'.% sin.— ;/
meadow a considerable part of a pond Lving niir,::. :h* *.i l^zti. L io^-it-t-i
on all the sides of it bv 0>3i:r»3 '.iz^i'iidtd LatA^ k-'xk 'jiCtt 'st ^rr^r,-
ing Rock is on the outssde of it tear the nonrest cori.tr tift pCiiL* wji:* .-.
Lyes by the lodians was called Ke^passagar^sit 2z/i U Lzit Z'ZZ z.z zzjt t^s,:^:
of the sd Stephen Gates f-jr tlu-ee hocridrec ic ro-'ine^- i^^rti. . . .
Stephen Gates came to Hint^ham iroai E'§lii>c: :r '±±
Diligentp A. D. 1638. with wife Ann a^c r^:. ciilir-in-
From Hingham he removed to CamVricgc- ini zzftZiH: 1:
Lancaster in 1654. He wa* nxixie fr'irezLL:: izd cjj--rte=L
constable in 16^6. H^ had r<jz> >*jzz'i.^:rL. S:z:r:c: \zxi
Thomas, aiui diughter^ Elizab-rV: icd M^*'- Tit G^iz:=i
blood seems to hitre been of Crr.iceflT mcT'iil lizir^r.
268
ANNALS OF I_\SCASTER,
The daughter Mary verj- boldly contradicted the minister
in the public assembly. Stephen Gates quarreled with his
neighbors, the Whitcombs, was deprived of his constable's
staff, and moved away from Lancaster after less than three
years' residence. He died at Cambridge, 1662, and his
sons attempted, without success, to break his will, alleging
that their father " was not of disposing mind." By this will
Stephen, the eldest son, received the house and lot in Lao-
caster. Direct descendants in the male line continued to
hold land here, ending with Captain Thomas Gates, who
led the Lancaster troop to Cambridge at the Lexington
alarm. In 1718 Peter Joslin was in possession of (he
Gates homestead. Mary Gates married John Maynard of
Sudbury.
THE LANDS OF THOMAS JOSLIN
House IMt zo acm-i. The house Lotl of Thomas Jo«lin b Scituate
Lyiae and being upon the neck of Land on the east side of the North
Riuer bounded by the North Riuer west and Runing easterly in Length
UDlill it come within twenty Rods of ihe Length of the Lott of Stephen
Gates and is bounded by Commons or ways east the Lott of his son
Nathaniel Joslin South and the Lands in common [towards] quiissaponi-
kin meadows on the north by estanution more or les fourty acres Giuen
him by Consent of the town
A Swamp Lying lietwen or west [of the lots] of him ind his son
Nathaniel Josltn the one half thareof to him and [the other half to] his
said son by Consent of the town.
kis enteruail Lotl The enteruail Lott of Thomas Joslin one part thare
of Lyeth on the west side of the North Riuer bounded by the said
Riuer easterly [and running] northward until! the Riuer and the upland
do cut off that percell of enteruail [bounded] south by the enteruail of his
son [and] west by the Commons Containing more or Less thirteen acres
but scince being more exactly meashured [by those] appointed is found
to be but ten acres and twenty Rods : more he hath seuen acois Lying on
the North Riuer in one Slip aJong by the Riuer bounded at the head up Ihe
Riuer north [by the] meeting of the Riuer and upland cast by the upland
south by the Land [of Nathaniel Joslin.]
The Joslin family came from London in the Increase,
A. D. 1635, landing in Hingham. Thomas was then forty- i
I
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 269
three years old, and his wife Rebecca the same age. They
brought with them Nathaniel, aged eight years; Rebecca,
eighteen ; Dorothy, eleven ; Elizabeth, six ; and Mary, one
year. Another son. Abraham, a sailor, came to Lancaster
some years later than tlie lather, who was here in 1654.
Mary became the wife of Roger Sumner, and Rebecca
married Nichols. Thomas Joslin died Jan. 3, 1660,
and his widow married William Kerley, senior, 16. .j.. 1664,
being his third wife. The lands above described extended
from the river eastward along the south side of the North
Village street.
THE LANDS OF NATHANIEL JOSLIN
kis house Lolt The house Loll of Nathaniel Joslin is Sdtuale Lying
and being upon the necli of Land on the East Side of Ihe North Kiuer
being bounded upon .said Kiuer we^i and so Kuning east in l.£ng(h until!
it Reach within twenty Rods of the Length of the Lolt of Stephen Gates
and is bounded east by the Commons: South by the Lolt of .Stephen
Gales and north by the Lott of his father Thomas Joslin by Eslemalion
more or Less ffourty] acots
his S-wamp Also a certain Swamp Runing betwixt the Lands of him
and his father is the one half thareof belonging to Nathaniel Jostin by Ihe
towns Gift and the other to his father
A/i iKteruail The enleruail Lott of Nathaniel Joslin [one parlj there-
of Lyeth on the west side of [the North] Kiuer bounded by the said Riuer
easterly [by the Commons] west the entemail of his father ihonias Joslin
north & of John Smiths South by Estamation Thirteen acors more or
Less:
Nathaniel Joslin was born in England about 1627, com-
ing to Hingham with his father in the Increase from Lon-
don in 1635. He married Sarah, daughter of Thomas King
of Marlborough, and had sons Nathaniel, born 1658, and
Peter, born 1665; and daughters Sarah, 1660; Dorothy,
1662; Elizabeth, r667 ; Rebecca, 1672; and Martha. He
was made freeman in 1673. After the massacre he re-
mained in Marlbnrough, and there died April 8, 1694.
His son Peter received the Lancaster home lots, and seems
to have added the Gates house lot to his inheritance.
~ _ . ■ •
■Ban acTs.
": ■': :• :i^. ^ r-r ~^u; tier i^inlir? ru»
7. V ;:: :- T ^ir— s:- Feb- ::».
._• !.__•;-
. -= TiZ-.-.e :im::v
^ -
Their
^,
•
v*-:ii.\RD
' ■• ^ / ■ ■ r • - -. ■ :::-.•••." ' sz Sic::'. :s y.}'- ly loJ
\ ' < < I - -.:- • - ■' - ■ t ^rf ■ ■ - : : : . .- - litii* ::* .'•?- .':^-= Tinker
A Kj' .-.-■: S - :. :lt "i - y -r- ".W-irf Cirre to be
yv*s>;rss - : :- t"^ r ::: ^r ;-::;. . - l^ri> t;:^ Laid out there-
tv-c ::m. A.;r. :: 1^. . .::,;■::•. t- :: >..- i? ::".:-kii=. zzK'-z theacount
w-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 271
196 acers 2 detiision first he hath a pcice of upland Laid out to him
Sumtimes Called by the name of Still Riuer farm bounded Southwest by
the enteruail & South or Southeast by sum second deuision Land of Ralph
Houghton & easterly it buts partly upon sum meadow of Goodman Wilder
and the most part upon Common upland and westerly it buts upon the
highway to the plumtrees enteruail and northerly it is bounded by sum
second deuision Land Laid out to William Lewis and part by sum other
Land Laid out to the estate aforementioned and this peice of Land is Laid
out for one hundred ninty six acres be it more or Less highways to
Groten to pond meadows & brook meadow allowed for in meashur :
100 acres 2 deuision Mo'e thare is another peice of upland Laid out
to the estate aforesaid known by the n.ime of winter plain which buts
northerly upon Common Land Sum part pine Land & partly oak Land
& Southerly it buts upo Sum other Land Laid out upon the same acount
and easterly it is bounded by hills of Rockey Land which is Common and
westerly it is bounded by Common pine Land sum part of it and sum part
oake Land Lying betwen the s** Land & plumtree meadows and is Laid out
for one hundred acres be it more or Less : —
32 acres 2 deuision More there is another peice Laid out on the same
acount at the South end of the sd winter plain and is bounded northerly
by the sd winter plain for the most part and westerly it is bounded [by]
sum Land of William Lewis and easterly it buts upon Common Land &
southerly it is bounded by that called the Still Riuer farm and is Laid out
for 32 acres he it more or Less a highway to Groten allowed for in meashur :
80 arres 2 deuision More thare is another peice of upland Laid out
upon the Same acount Lying between the aforementioned Lands and Ma-
hamachekamaks hill bounded easterly by Land Laid out to the estate of
Edward Brick and westerly by sum hilly stoncy Land and it buts norther-
ly and Southerly upon Common Land and is Laid out for eighty acres be
it more or Less : a highway Runing throw it at the South end of it allowed
for in meashure : —
4, acres 2 deuision More thare is fower acres of upland Laid out near
to the Brook meadow in Common with sum Land Laid out to John Bush
which was Giuen him by the town : —
100 acres 2 dettision More there is another peice of upland Laid out
upon the side of Bare hill upon the acount of the aforementioned estate
Laid out by order of Goodman Hutson who purchased it of Majer Will-
ard tho the bounds of it are not yet known it Lyeth for one hundred acres
all the aforementioned pcrcells of upland are in full the perprotion of up-
land due to the two estates afore named
Major Simon Willard, son of Richard of Horsemonden,
Kent, England, born 1605, came to New England in 1634
with wife Mary Sharpe and daughter Mary, and settled in
k^'ji
I— TSi-iii-aj;:;
-a izm, I
f-ux
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725. 273
6 Lying high vppon the Still Riuer, 4 acors of it on the further side and 2
acors on this side. Edward Brek
William Kerly
Nathaniel Hadlock
John Johnson
James Atherton
Samuel Reaner
I Steephen Day coming vpp to Nashaway & hearing of some disturbance
betweene Goodman Prescot & Lawrenc Waters do acknowledg that I laid
out in the year 1650: vnto Goodm Prescot 4 acors of wet meddow on the
south side & 2 acors on this side on the still riuer where the bridg is, w«>»
2 acors on this side Lawrenc Waters hath mowed, and at the end of 4
acors of meddow of goodrn Prescots iMr Dayes meddows lies in reversion
towards that which belongs to him. In witness wherof I haue set to my
hand
This is a true Coppie Steephen Day
The house lott of John Prescott vpon which his house stands, being the
first lott in that Range of Lotts according to the Record of Grants, in the
old Towne bobk, lying bounded, south by the coinon, and north by a lott
of Steven Dayes, vpon which Philip Knight built a house butting Easterly
vpon the highway, that runes between the two ranges of lotts, and west
vpon the Coition, being twenty acres be it more or less, being eight score
rod long and twenty rod wide.
And also a lott lying on the East side of the highway, a little brooke
nineing cross the* west end of it, which lott is knowne by the name of Ry
feild. lying bounded south by a lott of Thomas Sawyers and north by a
highway, that runes betwixt the lott of J no. Moore and it, and it butts
easterly vpon the Coirion that lyeth betwixt his intervale and it, and
westerly vpon the high way that lyes betwixt the Ranges of lotts, and lyes
as a streete being twenty acres, be it more or less, being fourescore rod
long, and forty rod wide.
And his intervale lott lying in a peece of intervale on the west side
Nashaway riuer, part whereof lyes between the wading place which is
named in the Court grant for the center of the Towne, and the meeting of
the riuers lying bounded easterly by the riuer, and west by a hill of vpland
within fence, which the Towne gave to him, and his heyres for ever, for
his privilege in fencing in his lott, and bounded south by the highway that
runes betwixt the lott of Thomas Sawyer and it and north by the burying
place hill, and north riuer, and another part of it lying at the vpper end
of that peece of intervale, bounded south and east by Nashaway riuer and
north by Thomas Sawyers lott, and west by a hill of vpland both of which
parcells being by estimation fifty acres be it more or less, which appears
to be his due, by the Records of grants in the old Towne booke, but vpon
18
liflr: . .
'•TTi ~: ^.
1- «...
\ -— 1 J
a :x:
:=x
C^ 2^
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 275
The descriptions of Prescott's lands as above given are
transcribed from volume iii of the Middlesex Registry,
being much more complete than the later copies in the
Book of Lands. The records of Prescott's special grants
from the General Court, and his sale of a twenty acre house
lot upon the Neck to Ralph Houghton, have been set down
in previous pages. The title to the homestead where he
lived until his removal to the vicinity of his mills, was de-
rived from Symonds & King through John Cowdall. a
Boston trader, by deed duly recorded in the Suffolk Reg-
istry, a copy also being recorded in volume iii of the
Middlesex Registry.
A Coppie of a deed from fohn Ctrwdall
Bee it Knownc by these presents that I John Cowdall of Boston, for
good A vaUuable consideration, by mee in hand receiued, hauegiuen,
granted, bargained & sold and by these presents do giue grant, bargain,
St sell vnto John Prescott late of Watertown my house at Nn.fhaway. and
' twenty acres of land therevnto belonuing and adjoyneing, bounded with
John Frescotts owne lot! on the east. Steeven Day on the North, and
George Adams south, a.s also twelue acres of wett meadow belonging to it,
and fifty acres of Intervale bounded with Penycooke riuer west, and still
riuer east, vpon which parcell of land Richard Linton, and Lawrance
Waters haue planted corne, together with all appurtenances, conueniences
and priueledges, coiiiunes, pastures, inindalls &c belonging & apperteyne-
ing to the said lands to haue and to hold the said house & Lands with all ,
other the appurtenances & priuetidges to him and his heyres for euer,
wilnea my liand & scale this s"' of the 8"". 1647.
John Cowdall
Sealed and deli,- In He presence of \ Jjj™ n™"''
Recorded S--8.. 1647 Walter Aspinwall Recorder
James U'iseri deed of tVaihacum lands
Know ail men by lhe.se p'sents that I James Wiser of Washakim in the
conntie of midlesex, Indian, in New England, for good consideratione
and mouinge therevnto, but especially for & in consideratione of fouer
pounds teen shillings allredy rec' by me haue giuen granlled bargined sold
alinated & confirmed & do by these psenls giue grant bargine sell alinate
& canRrme vnto John Prescott of Lancaster some ninlie accers of vnlm-
proued land be it more or lesae lyinge vpon a plaine & twentie accers be
276 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
it more or lesise beinge a come feilld lyinge vpon a hUl weastward of this
plaine bounded by a pond a littill remote easterly firome the plaine: Washa-
kira fort beinge aboutt toefteene rods firome the neerest pt of this plaine &
the hill whear on the Indian fielld is. weasterly of thb plaine, only Ada-
gunapeke & his Aunt & his sister reserue one accer a yere, the hill beinge
called by the name of moantuhcake, this land joynes to the £uine that the
Country gaue John Prescott which allso is bounded by a hill to the south
nininge downe to his meadow belong! nge to his ^rme & the countryes
land ellsewhear aboutt it. the sayde bargined Pmisses withall and singular
ther puiledges & apertananses to be to the sayde John Prescott & his
he\'ers for euer to haue & to bold for his or their pposes & Uesies without
any lawful! lett molestatiooe or disturbance from by or vnder me' or any
my he\*er5 executors or asignes or any other pson or psons what soeuer
fermely bindinge my sellfe my heyers executors & asignes heervnto, & we
whose names arre vnder written. Pummannommon & Pompoweagon do
afirme and testifie that the aforesayde James Wiser hath hill power & right
to alinate thes lands & in wittnesse heerto I y* aforesa\'de James Wiser do
putt to my hand and sealle.
The 3 acC^ of brok vpland expressed heerin that U reserued lyes at the
northerly end of the feilld. datted this 22^ of the first mo. 1669/70
the marke ^ James Wiser
Read signed & sealled & deliuered in the presence of
y* nurke of (M) Mary Willard
Simon Wilxard Jr.
the marke of C rvMMAXNOMMOX
the marke of C ; roMPOWE.\GON
[Frc»m Sh.utuck M.mitsort'pcs in possession of the New Eng'and Historic Genea-
Ioi^ktaI Socict> .]
John Prescott died in December, 16S1, possessed of
aK^ut 700 acres of land, having moreover given lands and
a mill at Xonaicoicus to his son Jonas. Three hundred
acres of this estate lav about the Washacum Ponds, includ-
ing the Sterling camp-grounds : he owned nearly all the
lands upon which the manufactories and most densely peo-
pled streets of Clinu>n are located, and one hundred acres
in South Lancaster, stretching from the summit of George
Hill to the meetinij of tlie rivers. But the sworn inventorv*
of his estate amounted to only 330 pounds S shillings. Af-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 - 1725.
277
ter the completion of his corn mill, he took up his residence
near it, and the site of his garrison house has been hereto-
fore Doted as near the southeast corner of Hijjh and Water
streets, in Clinton. The location of his earlier home is
important, because from it as a starting point, all the home
lots west of the rivers were laid out. JLuckily we are left
neither to conjecture nor tradition regarding ila position.
The site of the Symonds and King trucking house, bought
of Cowdall, was sold to Nathaniel Wilder fur twenty
pounds by Jonathan Prescott, in 1697, and is thus de-
scribed :
Twenty acres .... Ijeing in the south end of y" Town where John
Prescott Sen' and John Prescott Jun' some time Lived, being the first Lolt
in uumber in that Range of Lolla butting westerly vpon the staled com-
mon near Georges Hill, and easierly vpon a highway y' goelh between the
two Ranges of Lotts and southerly it is bounded partly by y' Loll of
Jonas flfairbanke and part by a halfe Lott of Daniel Gaines now in y' pos-
session of said Jonathan Prescott. And northerly it is bounded by the
Lott of y said Nathaniel Wilder.
In the settlement of Lieutenant Nathaniel Wilder's estate
his son Ephraim received " all the house Lott that formerly
belonged to the Prescotts." except one acre, which was set
apart for the widow. The direct descendants of Captain
Ephraim Wilder have resided upon the property until
within the memory of some now living. William Toombs
bought it, and the estate is by our older residents often
called the Toombs place. This land has lately come into
possession of H. A. Marshall.
Reference to the record of Daniel Gains' grant will show
that he had " ten acors lying on the top of George Hill . . .
and northardly it is bounded by the house lott of John
Prescott, and it buts easterly upon the Lott of Jonas Fair-
banks." The description of Jonas Fairbank's home lot
reads: "it buteth west upon a hill called George Hill and
it is bounded north by the Lott of John Prescott."
Fairbank's lot, now included in the farm of Jonas Goss,
278
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
extended forty rods along the highway, and from east to
west was eighty rods long; that of Prescott, his father-in-
law, being half as wide and twice as long, extending to or
beyond the crest of the hill.
The Rye-field, with Raper's "Brooke runeing cross the
west end of it" as of old, is mostly included in the lands of ^
G. F. Chandler. John A. Rice, W. H. Graham, and Rufus
Eager, the road to George Hill forming its northern bound-
ary. May I. 1698, Jonathan Prescott, in a deed of gift to
his son Samnel. transferred "my house Lett known by the
name of the Rye (Held conteyning one Dwelling
house and barne." June 1, 1708. Samuel Prescott, having
removed to Concord, sold to Reverend John Prentice all
his "houscing, lands, and meadows," including the Rye-
field fully described and stated to be " the lolt where y" said
Samuel Prescott formerly Lived," — also the intervale
"bounded easterly by Nashua River for the most part and
Northerly by the burying place and North East it
butts on the meeting of the Rivers". This intervale now
belongs to the Thayer estate, and the existing ditch that
separates it from the old burying ground and other upland?
was first dug by John Prescott. and is mentioned as early
as 1659- ^ ^^^^ acres of Prescott's intervale were located
a.little higher up the south branch of the Nashaway, near
the place long familiarly known as the O/d Rock, but
formerly, probably, called 'John's ynw/, as that suggestive
name is frequently found in old land records attached to
some place in that immediate vicinity.
John Prescott. the founder of Lancaster, was the young-
est son of Ralph and Ellen of Shevington. Lancashire,
England, born about 1604, and married to Mary Platis,
Jan. 21, 1629. He is supposed to have been a Cromwellian
soldier, and to have left England to avoid religious perse-
cution. He first sailed to Barbadoes in 1638, and -thence
to Boston in 1640. Soon thereafter he became the holder
of one hundred and twenty-six acres of land in Watertown,
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
279
and in 1643 we find him prominent among the associates of
the Naahaway Company. His invincible energy, manual
skill, and fertilitj' of resource pushed the enterprise to final
success, in spite of dangers and discouragements which
soon drove all his copartners from the undertaking. Such
as the town became, it was his building. For nearly forty
years he was its very heart and soul, and after the massa-
cre he came back to die at his post, enjoining in his will,
thai the worn out mortal part of him should be committed
"to the coimon burying place here in Lancaster." Over his
grave stands a rude fragment of slate rock, and few are the
eyes thai can readily read the characters rudely cut upon
it: "John Prescott Desased." The footstone with the
date has crumbled away.
John Prescott's children were eight in number : i. Mary,
baptized at Sowerby, England (Halifax Parish), Feb. 24,
1630; married Thomas Sawyer in 1648. 2. Martha, bap-
tized at Halifax Parish, March 11, 1632; married John
Rugg in 1655. 3. John, baptized at Halifax Parish, April
I, 1635 ; married Sarah Hayward, 1668 : he lived with his
father and succeeded him at the mills. 4. Sarah, bapdzed
at Halifax Parish in 1637 ; married Richard Wheeler in
1658. 5. Hannah, probably born in Barbadoes in 1639;
she became the second wife of John Rugg, May 4, 1660,
her Sister Martha, with her twin babes, having died in
1656. 6. Lydia, born in Watertown, August 15, 1641 ;
married Jonas Fairbank, May 28, 1658. 7. Jonathan, born
probably in Lancaster about 1646 ; he removed to Concord
after the massacre and became a man of note there, dying
Dec. 5, 1721. 8. Jonas, born June, 1648, in Lancaster;
married Mary Loker of Sudbury, 1672, and was a promi-
nent citizen of Groton. John Prescott's grandchildren
numbered tifty.
THE LANDS OF PHILIP KNrGHT
his house Ij)il his liousi; Lott being twenty acres Lying on llie west
side of Nashway Riuer »nd the south end of the (own being the second
38o
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Lotl from Goodman Prescuts in that Kan^e of Lolls buting east upon a
Streat or highway chat Runs betwen two Kaages of Lolts in (hat end of
the town bounded south by the Lott of Goodman Prescutt and north by a
Lott of John Johnsons buting west upon the stated Common upon wlllch
Lott Goodman Knight sum time erci:ted a house and Liued iharc being
160 Rods in Length and twenty Rods widt Lying for twent)' acors be it
his enteruait Loll His enieruai! Lott Lying on the east Side of Peni-
cook Riuer In a common feild in the uper tnd of ihal enleruail buling
west upon penicook Riuer and east upon (he Still Riuer bounded soulh
by a Lott of John Rigbees and north by sum Laud of John Ruggs which
was Laid out to him to make up his enteruail Lott this L^it was Laid
out to Goodman Knight for twenty acors
Philip Knight did not sign the covenant. He was prob-
ably that Philip who was admitted an inhabitant at Charles-
town in i6j7, and had wife Margery, and children Jonathan.
Philip, Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Mary. He died in 1668,
the inventory of his estate being found in the Essex Regis-
try. Knight sold all his rights here, and there is no evi-
dence found to show that when the family name was brought
to Lancaster again, after an absence of one hundred years,
it was borne by a direct descendant of Philip Knight. The
Knight lot was first sold to John Tinker, and purchased of
him by Thomas Wilder, who probably established his resi-
dence there at his first coming, in 1659. It remained in
the hands of his direct descendants until the present
century.
THE LANDS OF JOHN JOHNSON.
The first land grants to John Johnson, by an omission of
the copyist, have no page in the Book of Lands, This
proprietor signed the covenant in 1654. '^'^'^ alloled the
twenty acres next north from the Knight lot, and built and
lived there. May 20, 1667, John Johnson and wife Mary,
of Cambridge, deeded to John Roper, carpenter, "all my
Hiime Lott whereon I sometime lived bounded
south by a house lutt of Thomas Wilder and northerly by
a highway that runes up into the woods, and it bulls East
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 281
upon a high way or street that lyes between two ranges of
lotts and west upon a stated coffion, with fruit trees, build-
ings, fences &c". In 1670, John Roper deeded to Arche-
laus Courser, a Spotter" from Boston, who had married his
daughter Rachel, sixteen acres of the John Johnson lot,
and after the death of Archelaus, his son, John Courser,
sold it to Nathaniel Wilder. In 1729 the second Nathaniel
Wilder transferred to his brother Oliver, "Land on which
I formerly dwelt, & is the Lott that was granted to John
Johnson and part of the Lott that was Phillip Knights and
afterwards Thomas Wilders." Johnson came to Lancaster
from Watertown. His wife was Mary, daughter of Thomas
King of Marlborough. His house lott, twenty rods in
width, bordered the southern side of the highway over
George Hill by the school-house.
THE LANDS OF JOHN ROPER
his house Lott his house Lott is the fourth Lott from John Prescuts
in that Ran}2^ of Lotts that Lyeth west of the Street or highway that Lyeth
betwen two Ranges of Lotts in the south end of the town bating east
upon that highway and west upon the stated Common bounded south by
the countie high way that Goeth in to the woods, and so whare need shall
Require and bounded north on the Lott of John Rugg ui)on which Lott
Goodman Johnson the taylor who sum time Liued at Sudbury bult a house
and Liued thare for sum space of time which Lott was sumtime in the
possesion [of] Master day of Cambridge it being a hundred and Sixty
Rods Long and twenty Rods wide and Lyeth for twenty acors be it more
or Less.
his enteriiail Lott His enteruail Lyeth in the north enteruail about the
middel of it buting east upon the North Riuer and west upon the upland
bounded South by the Lott of John Johnson and north by the Lott of John
Moore which Lott is Laid out and Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or
Less.
** Goodman Johnson the taylor," was Solomon of Sudbury
and Marlborough. He exchanged, in 1652, "forty acres of
land lying at Nashaway plantation with one Dwelling house
uppon it," for a grant of three hundred acres of Stephen
Day*s. Day was one of the first proprietors, and an ener-
Ml
ANr.'AKS OF LANCASTER.
I^rlir |Moino(rr of tlic intercstH of the plantation; but his
rifi^V no oi'trn outran his discretion that he was constantly
ill (Irht. Mr Nij^iied the covenant, but never came to Lan-
1 MFili'i In livi*. IIIn land rights either went to satisfy credi-
liiiM, ni UN hi thiN case, lapsed by non-improvement. The
hiwii iinMi^iHul the* Solomon Johnson lot to Roper. John
Uii|M*r \\\v< iH' N<»rtolk County, England, coming to Amer-
li it whni Iwouly-six years old, in 1639, ^^'^ ^^^^ Alice and
(wo thilduMi, Alicr and Kli/abeth. He for some time lived
III Mrdhitm whrro wore horn to him Rachel. 1639; Han-
titih. io|3 ; Kphrainu 10.(4: and Benjamin, 1647. He was
y\ \\\\\w\\w\ bv uade% and a man respected of his neigh-
\\\\\^ iMul oi >*\^\hI standing in the church, tor he was chosen
\y\w oi the M"U\tmcn in IWV4. He was killed by the Indi-
•ur^ »\* u*;^\^. Kv^jH^rV Hrvvk perjviuates his n^me. In a
\\\\\\ \\\^\\\ \A\\\ \UvMv :o IXinicl Hu^isor, A. D. loSi. the
M^ihi u \vx>^\\v\l '" i>. :ho vVvupier? vM' John Roper's h:-use
i\^\ v\^* \*\v * S':?\ vo :V:vh wA^rr iVv'n: ihe Brc^rk.* The
\*VN*»\:v U V ^\^^s^* Vusc now stAr.vis :z :r.e s.-uir.^isc c:r-
\ • •
I Lk • fc. v.* »..\.» X -.. k * * "^ I'^N.* ^ h * t — » ■ w ■ ^ . .«> * -, — ^^ «r^i«>a. *»"■*" - ^
\\ I ^ ^'^'X. N^\ s\*
."N
«\
\N\
V V-^ '.V, .(»- l-^a. «•
. ^.
■ 1.. : . *. > L-.
^c^
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
283
Enteritail LoU More he hath his Enleruail Lott in the first deuisioD
Lying on the East side of Nashaway Riuer butting westerly upon the
Riuer and Easterly upon the upland and It is bounded Southerly by the
Loit of Jacob farrah Sener and Northerly it is bounded by a Lott which
wjs sum time the Lott of Richard Smith now in Ihe po.ssession of Majcr
Willard and was Laid out for twenty acres
John Rugg had for his first wife Martha Prescott, who
difd. with her twin babes, in 1656. His second wile was
Hannah Prescotl. by whom he had children : John, 1662 ;
Mercy, 1664; Thomas, 1666; Joseph, 1668; Hannah,
1670; Rebecca, 1673; Daniel, 1678; Jonathan, 1681. He
was made freeman in 1669. John Rugg's will was proved
in February. 1697. and his widow was slain by the Indians
the same year, together with her son Joseph, willi his wife
and three children. The Rugg house lot had been as-
signed to Henry Kerley in the first allotinent, but he refused
it, and built on church lands not far from the Rowlandson
garrison.
THE LAND OF DANIEL GAINS
his house Lott his house Lott part of [it] Lyeth in a peice of Land
that was Left by (he Lott of John Rugg and Goodman Kerley where now
ihe Said Daniel hath built an house there being ten acors or Ihiire abouls
be it more or less bounded Southardly by John Ruggs Lott and northardly
by the Lott of old Goodman Kerley and it buls easterly by the Street or
hyway that Runs betwen two Ranges of Lolts and it buls westerly by the
Slated Common and more he halh ten acors Lying on the top of George
Hill be it more or Less bounded Southardly upon the Common and north-
ardly it is bounded by the house Loll of John Prescull and it buts easterly
upon the Lott of Jonas fairbanks and westerly it buts upon the Stated
Common both the said peaces of upland Lyeth for his full house Lott of
twenty acors be Ihay more or Less —
his enteruait Loll His entcruail Lott Lyeth nn the east side of peni-
cook Riuer and is bounded southardly by the Loit of Jonas fairbanks and
northardly it is bounded by sum Enteruail of Lawrence Waters and it buts
Easterly upon the enteruail Swamp and west it bills U[>on the said peni-
cook Riuer A high way runing Cros the Lott to the meadows and to the
plumtrees and Lyeth for his full Lott of twenty acors be it more or Less.
Daniel Gaines was a late comer, appearing here in 1660.
There is no evidence that he had wife or children, but a
^ .■ TASTER,
r>^« .*y.'.
:\':r-tcd admini<lraior of
.>>»iCrt of the Ruwland-
:.: the ten acres on the
. -liKLEY SENER
. ~: l-:: v'f William Keriey Stner
. *: _ ■.; zonhward tonuin^ more
.- .: /";:4'^' The house Loti
. .♦..:.:.-- and afienvards i>ur-
. _: 1 r:H in his possession is
. : ^.■- ,~-r.::iining more or Los
: .:.i i> aforesaid more or
■;• —z S^itiuat L>ing anc
-:-: Nurih Riuer bounded
.-. ::= 'Aoods or Commons
■ ..-1 ir.i the house Loti of
. ; .^ ■ _:. riir.;: 10 the order of
■ ■ S^-::'..' 20 iii'ors The
. : .:."> more or Less is
:<: .:":""!e North Riuer
- - .- >-:r. .ind purchesed
■ : - :. : ■ ■. r.:. acor> South-
M ^ :; :::e s.Jd William
.:- : . ^~ .■".""::::■.> or common
. - : - .• r. il : li c c ii tc ruai I
\,
' ■ N
■x .
-» «\
^.* ■•. "..".. :'•::: Ashmore, Eng-
« ^ .. ^ .T :::v. ConrMencc* of
"'•■ . J. : .^ :'. r.ii'v in Hinirham
'. ^ /^. *.:: ::^7 h^ :vi:.ime freeman.
\ ■ . > ..' . ■. l...-v\;<:t:\ :'-5S. The next
" . i;/. X . "...r-.J.-. :•, :v. trior oi ihe minis-
> . . ^ ••: •..••. !'.v- :. 'n ■ :■ ..:> \\\\vd \\\w Rebecca.
., .,..x .^ x'^. '. A. 1"*. I. '.'4- He died July 14,
;. xx«'- » N,\::: •...•.: ..c ';:.u: :>-.en a <'."Iiiier. f-r in the
..x,.!-^*'^ **• ■•^ N ■>.'■.•..•.■ 5.::lc:> u«.re "* Ir-jn cl-jaihes " and
\ \ «
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 285
a " cutlash." William Kerley was appointed one of the
first prudential managers of the town, and seems to have
been a very strong willed if not influential member of the
board. The Kerley lots are now the homesteads of F. D.
Taylor and H. B. Stratton. A deed dated April 30, 1688,
from Henry Kerley, then of Marlborough, to Samuel Car-
ter of Woburn, "clerk," transfers "the 6"' house lott & three
quarters of the 7'*^ house lott," in all thirty-five acres.
Richard Smith's deed of his dwelling-house and twenty
acre house lot to William Kerley, senior, is dated June 4,
1658. Smith was of Sudbury, son of John. His first wife,
Mary, and her infant, died 27. .3™. .1654, and August 10 of
the sanie year he married the widow Joanna Quarlls, by
whom he had in Lancaster, John, 1655, and Francis, 1657.
He appears in 1656 among the proprietors of Groton, but
perhaps did not become resident there, although he disap-
pears from Lancaster.
LANDS OF MR SAMUEL CARTER
40 acors of Land Granted to Mr Samuel Carter Mr Samuel Carter
hath fourty acres of Land Laid out to him which was a proper Gift of the
town Lying at the east end of sum Second deuision Land of John farrahs
now in the possession of Mr. Thomas Swift buting west upon s^ Swifts
Land and easterly upon Swampie Low Land and Southardly it is bounded
upon Second deuision Land of William Kerley Sener and northardly by
Common plain Land.
Thomas Swift seems to have been a transient resident,
perhaps from Milton. He was a non-resident proprietor in
1684, and disappears from the records thereafter. Samuel
Carter, a teacher and clergyman, was the son of the Rev-
erend Thomas Carter of Woburn, born 1640, graduated
from Harvard College in 1660, died as minister of Groton,
1693. He sometimes preached in Lancaster, between 1681
and 1688. By wife Eunice Brooks he had four sons and
four daughters : Mary, 1673 ; Samuel, 1678 ; John, 1681 ;
Thomas, 1682 ; Nathaniel, 1685 ; Eunice, 1687 ; Abigail,
S() ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Kh)i>. Nono of these births are found in Lancaster Rec-
ords. I'ho widow Eunice married John Kendall of Wo-
hurn, who, with his brother Samuel, were the progenitors
of numerous descendants bearing the name Kendall in
I-uncastor* Leominster and Sterling. John Kendall re-
ceived a forty acre grant from the town, January 26, 1714,
^on th^ easterly side of Wecapeket Brook." John. Samuel
and Thomas Carter occupied the paternal estate purchased
of William Kerlev\^ heirs, and there the two last named
had large families, which so multiplied the number bearing
the family name that it was soon rivalled only by the Wil-
lards and Wilders in the Lancaster census.
THK LANDS OF JOHN SMITH
'e.ns'^Y .\w Tho upUm) Ijoii of John Smitli beiii|^ the E%&c& Locx In
ttu; KAVi^^r ot l.^^its ;Kjit l.x^fs on the «ie$t Side ot the Xovth
vv\ :h^ Wv s; s^*<* v>:" ;he Strv^^t or hvinv thit Lves
l.o:;s o'A :><* Ssv,:;h <«»<; »m' the town betas br
lv^:xj: cv^^; sovvr Kvx:s :!^ Length Jiad rwtan- Roi£^ «i5e banoi^
:>s: Mji>AXA\ vvr S:rcet tKat Runs berwen i^ Ruig» « Lxs
u..vr :V v>-:^:?s>ns S^crsaec ssi^crh br the Lwrt c« Wal&Eit
K;-<. "..^-i^- *'"*4: i^V t^'tr.:* ir-^-^-^ Sf :t -non? cr Ijcssil
.-f..-. - .* v; H-< ^rr?--wJL:! I*v: "ruii^ rm>*sTt mssts^ " ^"g
^.^.^•"N^' , ,i.i-»,: **•.: 5o:::>: r* :Se loir: .'C WTiaoi Sartp- 5
KiT^' :«; :.^^v *:i *> :?v ?^.x*4i Rxjs^ ,^ hf*m£ ii» hu^ imi. iis
ire . -.Lr:^.- ^ r r» :S; r:«T. . , ,
j: :*i A. V r:*^. lti£ r.:^^ rr^:^:•-^. Siiciinst 'Vinar?- onz
'..:.r fi.:!.::. r^id ir«i ^-m.ir j.x it T*iiruns> Sjbf.. x
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 287
from Woburn. On the 5*'' of 2*^ month, 1669, John Smith
transfers all his then estate to John Moore, with this condi-
tion : "Now in my old age I being old and infirme, & not
able to improve land, nor to maintayne myself by my
labours nor to pay publique charges for my land, therefore
in consideration of my foresaid son John Moore & his wife
are to keepe mee duringe my naturall life." .... He died
July 16, 1669. His will mentions children — John, Rich-
ard, Ann and Alice.
LANDS OF WILLIAM KERLEY JUNER
house Lott his house Lott which is acording to his Grant in the old
town book the ninth Lott from John Prescutts Lying and being on the
west side of the highway that Goes to the north enteniail and to Wallnutt
Swamp and it buts Easterly upon that highway and westerly upon the
Stated Common and it is bounded Southardly by the Lott of John Smith
and north by sum second deuision Land of William Kerley Sener and It
Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or Less —
enteruail Lott More he hath his enteniail Lott Lying and being in the
north enteruail and according to his Grant apears to be the fourth Lott
thare and it buts easterly upon the North Riuer and westerly upon Com-
mon [land] and is bounded Southerly by the Lott of John More and
northardly it is bounded by the Land fof ] William Kerley Sener and it
Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or Less
William Kerley, junior, came from Sudbury, signing the
Nashaway covenant in 1653. He was made a freeman in
1666, having removed to Marlborough, where he became
ensign. He died January 4, 1684. No children are named
in his will, although by first wife, Jane, he had three daugh-
ters: Mary, 1667; Sarah, 1668; and Hannah, 1670. A
second wife, Anna, daughter of Thomas King, survived
him. He sold his Lancaster lands to Abraham Joslin, Jr.,
who perished with his wife and child in the massacre of
1676. In 1693-4, Henry Kerley and the Joslin heirs trans-
ferred the "House lot of W" Kerley" to Thomas Harris, a
butcher from Boston, who had married the widow Rebecca
Crocker, or '* Croakham ," Abraham Joslin's sister. Thomas
28S ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
I liirris in 1682 had bought the lands of John Ball, who was
killod in the massacre. Ball's lands are not described in
tlie Hook of Lands, although he was one of the first inhab-
itants. Harris died 1698. Abraham Joslin also sold fifty
acres to Nathaniel Robinson, with a proprietor's right.
Nathaniel Ilapgood possessed lands at Bare Hill and else-
wluMT, hiicl out to the right of William Kerlejs junior.
THK LANDS OF JOHN MORE
ht.\ ht^usf /*»// The house Lott of John More Lyeth on the west side
of the Noiih Kiuer ami on the east side of the highway or Street that
Kun> )>i>t\vt«n the two Kan^s of Lotts that are Laid out in the South end
of the tt>\vn hv\\\^ called the first Lott fronts the Lott of John Prescutts in
the Krooitls o! (Grants in the old town book and it Lyes bounded South
h\ a )\iiihx\a> thiU Kuus l>et\%-en the Lott of John prescutt Called the Ry
held .ind it M\i\ hounded north by Gi|)son hill and buting east upon the
i\>mm«Mi and west ujn^n the Street or highway Runing betwen the two
Kans»v> of Lotts his Lott l>eins tour score Rods in Length and fourty Rods
\^ide L\in^ frti twentv AiV1"S l>e it more or Less —
(C.v /vr/»*,;;/ /.w His cmeruail Lott Ljing in the north enteniail
lM^in< t.\dU\1 the tifth Lott In the Records of Grants in the old town Book
And it I xt^s KMJude^l nouh l\\ the Lott of William Kerley Juner and south
^x iho Lott ot John Roivt Sutinij east upon the North Riuer and west
;v.vM* ',hc;:;.^lAiv' ivi;\;: :\xcu:\ Kvxis wide and Eight Score Rods in Length
:: 1 \::*j; t.^T :xxo*.>:\ aoor-s 1\^ :; :rv^^e or Less.
I\v ,\ o.<x\l il;itt\l M.r.vh ^s, 10S2, ""John Moore of Sud-
K:r\ Sv^r/*v:*:no of l.,;:K\;stor'^ transferred to Daniel Hud-
st-^n *\\V. ':;:s IKniSc^ lot in the sd Lancaster upon wh. he the
5sr^: lo'.n Mv^ro bui*: a lUnjso vV tor some time Lived, Lv-
'nc N.":^>vW.o Vv^sons 11:1',, vV l.^hn Prescot his Rve field,
vV :s V;::uuv, :^ou:>,or;\ by a Highway"" reser\-ing
"^ • AO^x^ in ziv^n'ic r*,;oo neor :be hi^hwaw as also Liberty
:Vr :ho .x^^ui^urs o;^ \ ^-^ K.v\ers house forever free liberty
:o tvto^ \\,;:.r ::v:v : xc l>r^v>k th^: runs on the Lot near the
wvs: en.:." '.\,n*.cl :ln^isv^n Seiner sla:n by the Indians.
Sv*:x<rn':Xr : :. :>v*. h.< s>^n N,;:hAr.:e: rk'vssessed the Moore
I.-:. >;;: r. n*,. \ n^ :.^ :^ llor ca, 2^^^; :: ro lohn Buss? of Con-
\r. :> *vV^ jV^nnvls* ''u::^^ i. 1709, March 25,
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 289
1 7 19, John and Hazadiah Moore transfer to John Buss the
reserved one-fourth acre above named, describing it as "on
the north side of a Highway w^ lies between it and a Lott
now belonging to the Reverend Mr John Prentice
Something in a square form, in south east corner of sd lott,
bounded south by sd Highway, east by land that was called
stated Common, North & west by part of sd lott." Samuel
Locke became the next owner, purchasing of the second
John Buss in 1742.
Two John Moores signed the Lancaster covenant — one
in 1653, the other a year later. But one, however, shared
in the first allotments, if we may trust the Book of Lands.
John Moore of Sudbury, in his will proved in 1674, leaves
to his son John of Lancaster, "five shillings and no more,
for I have given him his portion formerly." This John
married in Sudbury, November 16, 1654, Ann, daughter
of John Smith. Their children born in Lancaster were
Mary, 1655; Elizabeth, 1657; I^dia, 1660; John, 1662;
Joseph, 1664; Ann, 1666; Jonathan, 1669; and Maria.
The same date, 10.. i!^ 1670-1, marks the birth of Maria
and the death of the mother, Ann. John Moore became
Ensign, and died in 1702, leaving a widow Mary. He re-
moved from his first home and built upon Wataquadock
about 1665, for in that year, in an exchange of lands with
Ralph Houghton, he mentions "my new dwelling house at
Wataquadoke." John Moore, junior, was delegate to Gen-
eral Court from Lancaster, in 1689. His sons John and
Jonathan lived to ripe old age upon the paternal acres,
south of Wataquadock.
THE LANDS OF THOMAS SAWYER
kottse Lott his house Lott Lyeth on the east side of the Street or
hie:hway that Runs betwen the two Ranges of Lotts on the south end of
the town bounded west by the Street or highway and east by the Common
that Lies betwen the enteruail and it bounded south by the Lott of Jacob
£uTah and north by the Lott of John Prescutt called the Rie field this
lott being Eightie Rods in Length and fourty Rods wide and Lyeth for
twenty acors be it more or Less
19
290
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
I Lett Hb eotcrul Ijolt Lyes in a peacie of Cfltenml that
Lies on tbe west side of Kasbawsy Riuer bounded oordiwatd by the
htghwai that Goes to Wataquadok and lootb bj sum pan of the enieraail
Lott of John presctitts and east and south east by ihe Riuer and west
it bats with an angle upon the Commoa at {noe hill acording to Ihe Rec-
ords of Grants in the <rfd town book it was first Laid out for twenty acors
but upun trial by exact measfaur it wax found to want fiire acors which the
town Granied to be made up twenty and it was Confirmed by the Com-
mittee and is made up with and by a pcice of enteniaQ that Lies up Nash-
away Riiwr
Thomas Sawj'er was a blacksmith, of Rowley, 1643.
I^e came to Lancaster in 1647, and married Mary PrcscoU.
by whom he had children : Thomas, 1649 ; Ephraim, 1651 ;
Mar\', 1653: Joshua. 1655; James, 1657; Caleb. 1659:
John, 1661 ; Elizabeth, 1663; Nathaniel, 1670. Over his
grave Jn the old yard the headstone records that he died
Sept. 12, 1706, aged about ninety years. Thomas, junior,
who seems to have inherited a share of his grandfather
John Prescotl's energj* and capacity, established the second
saw-mill in Lancaster be lore 1700, upon Deans, now Good-
ridge, Brook, at the dam near the Deer's 1 loms school-house.
Upon the Sawyer house lot now stand the church and sev-
eral dwellings of the Seventh Day Adventist Society. The
venerable Mrs. Sally (Sawyer) Case, a direct descendant
of Ttromas Sawyer, lives very near the original house site.
.\n ancient dwelling, with stone chimneys, was torn away,
just in the rear of the present house, when it was built in
1812. June 18, 1701, Sawyer transferred half of this house
lot to his youngest son, Nathaniel, it being described as the
" south side of the Lott bounded north by rest of loU &
south by a narrow Lane or way lying betwixt it and the lot
of Jacob ffarer & it butts east & west on highways." June
14, 1706, he transfers the above described intervale to
Nathaniel, stating its southern bound to be upon "some
intervale land in the possession of Thomas Sawyer, Jun.
& known by y' name of Johns Jump about 15 acres." At
the same date he gives eight acres of the northern half of
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
291
his house lot lo his oldest son, Thomas, " he having sold 2
acres before " to him. This last is the farm lately owned by
L. G. Cilley.
THE LANDS OF JACOB FARRAH
house Lott The house LoU of Jacob ferrah upon which his house
stands Lying South from the Norlh Kiuer and west from Nashaway Riuer
in 3 Rang of LoHs on the east side of the Street or highway that Lyes
betwen two Ranges of Lolts buling west upon that Street or highway and
ca5t upon the Common that Lies towards Johns Jump a place so called
bounding norlh by the Lott of ihomas Sawyer and South by the Commons
where thare was a Lolt sum time Laid out to John Rigbe a Liltel Brook
Runing cros the west end of it near to the end, and a highway of a Rod
wide Lying betwen ihc I^lt of Thomas Sawyer and it which Lott being
fower sCQre Rods in Length and fourty Rods wide ondly upon his Request
for a Conuenient place to build a house the Square of his Lott was altered
and the South west corner Runs out twenty Rods further and the South
east corner so much in which Lott Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or
Ais eiiteruail Lott The enteniail Lott of Jacob ferrah Lyeth on the
east side of Nashaway Riuer by which Riuer It is wholley Bounded on the
west side and on the east side at the cast end it is hounded by sum mead-
ow called the frog holes and so downward by the pine plain buting South
by a Swamp called pins Swamp and norlh by John [Ruggs] Lolt one
highway Going threw it two ways the bay [road] and another highway
Goes down the enieruail to the meadows both of them being two Rods
and half wide either of them so much of which Lott is his own Lott of
enleruail Granted him by the town and was laid out to him for twenty
The "highway of a rod wide" above stated as the north
bound of Farrar's land is the east and west street, known
as the Narrow Lane, on which the Seventh Day Adventist
meeting-house stands. Near an unfailing spring beside
Roper's Brook there was visible, many years ago, a de-
pression marking a half filled cellar; and various relics of
a residence were there frequently ploughed up, but no one
could remember even a tradition of a house standing there,
or of its ownership. Possibly this may have been the loca-
tion of the Farrar Jiome, though the extension of the south-
west corner would rather indicate a site on the high ground
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
293
Fale is mentioned more than once tn early records as
m's Hole. Old residents sometimes used this name,
bying it to a deep place in tlie river, near the Scar now
d Emerson's Bank, It seems to be, however, a chance
Eval of the disused provincial English term holh mean-
■a small area of ground sunken below its surroundings.
Want's Hole is a depressed and hill-girt meadow seen
across the river east from the north extremity of High
street, in Clinton. Richard Wheeler came here from Med-
fieid. He married John Prescott's daughter Sarah, Aug.
2, 1658. and had children born in Lancaster : Jacob, 1663 ;
Zebediah, 1664; Sarah, r666 ; Elizabeth, 1669; Samuel,
1671. He was made a freeman in 1669, and was killed by
the Indians in 1676. His widow married Joseph Rice of
Marlborough. Samuel went as a soldier in the Canada
expedition, and died 1691. David and Hezekiah Whit-
comb came into possession of Wheeler's rights.
THE LANDS OF JOHN HOUGHTON
his house Lott his house Lott where upon he hath built and planted
Lyeih on the north side of Deans Urook bounded Southerly by the said
Brook and northerly by the Loll of Richard Wheeler and easterly it buts
upon the mill path and westerly it buts upon sum Land of his own that is
part of his second denision and it Lyeth for twenty acors be it more or
his enteruail Lott His enleruail Lott [is] ontheeastside of Penicook
Riuer and is bounded westerly and norwest by the said Riuer and it is
bounded easterly by the enteruail Swamp a highway of two Rods and half
Runs through it to Go to the meadows and to Groten and that part of it
thai Lyeth 00 the east side the path buls southerly by sum Land of James
butler and northerly it buts upon a high way that Goes iuto Goodman
Waieres Littel Round Meadow that Way Ljing belwen it and sum Land
of John More now in the possession of Jeremiah Rogers and the other
pari of it that Lyeth on the west side the path is bounded southerly by
sum enteruail Land of Goodman Wateres Runing with a Comer up into
the bent of the Riuer and it buts norlhardly with an angle upon Goodman
White his feild so called both percels of enteruail Lyeth for hb Lott and
for twenty acors be it more or Less.
John Houghton came from England in the Abigail, 1635,
■1 w A ' s ZT lAy'L-^-STEiL
1 !=ere b:^. A ncit Wai* j&jce En die old vard
reoirds his ce-jr: April 29- rfft^.. Hy wise's name was
Beairix. AlrtoGgfe. be s^^s^ rie cc^Kursnt in 1653, it is
cccbtfzl if ht C£zie bere 2? resaie ibr lereral Tears, as the
recocGs Otf his chfLdnci's bcrtzs jre 3oc ttairy as ot Laiica»-
I th^i of Beiiirix. izi i6c>;. la his will he mcntioiis
his "^serea ciflinKi-'^ Tbej were Joan, bir-cn ab^Dot 1650 ;
Rccen. ic^S : Jocas : M-iry : Br.trrix, 1665 : Bcaiaiiiiii,
1666 : Sirai. 1672- I >^j * L z tae desertDoa ot the town die
tirsjLj scsczhz refiig^ in Ch.t^jfwawnu At the re^setdement
±e s:cL5 esCjLTLfsaeii oew homes ease cnT die riTer. upon
Bndeviue PLiri. aow kxk: wn as die CXd Cocncaoo. The
ot' 31: fLTviihl a harczsaial r:arse ;& Beasnx aiDong
rise riziilT s crijcma l oeszz^at^:£:s :t the taoiilv.
.s. • .;.
:c h. aac 'r',-^ 5:c=«f fneer scoce iz ±.e ^nrm^g of real
jt ac:r:fr*d- Th:Ls we fzii bi Johr H :'C^jlHi'"s various
Dtls c-c' lizc. " R^isetniry =aej*ijw." * Horse swamp,*'
Htc^uc's pari."" "Crarherry zaeaoow.* "The meadow
c ±.e ±ree ijdtiizs.* * roc s o:r=er cxnnm^iicr.'" and
T.cjccj ^xre =3ea*5:w."^ The cazi^r-er Bearris
- .- ■^ ?j"*^. ^S^**'"!- 2!C « ic«^ ^- T*— "c "I'^'isc '*C-— - ^ ci^- became
inj Tc-Lr5 serr:::^ -- 'Tir-jrc:* i:^*n :~c^:S- ire is repre-
7HZ LA^^r^ :f ;:^^AJ^ fai^l^ankz
t»- f. u :.. JLrr Ti«i i':»:is<' Lj— :c ' . c.!:!- iLjr:«^.i ; l-"ii* re tbe west
5»:«iii i^c :c ■!:•; ".jw- rc-Zij: i-isc i.;t:L: 1T.12 i.^vi;.- :r Srr^Kr ire :t
I-JT H-5 icrir.u-1 Ice: l-ii re rre fasc soe oc Peai-
ccoc XTUfiT rii*j:'» ire JciT:.Tri:ci -it^-c :»:vLijr«c >:»i"T : ; dre Loci c£ lacco
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 295
buts East upon a peice of Swampie brushie cnieruail the higlmay Crosing
that end of it and it buts west upon Penicook Kiuer which Lott is l^id
out to him for twenty acors be it more or Luss —
Jonas Fairbank came from the same Enf^lish township as
the- Prescotts, being the son of Jonathan Fairbank, who
settled in Dedham. His marriage to Lydia, daughter of
John Prescott, 28. .3"'". 1658, is the lirst recorded in Lan-
caster. He had seven children: Mary, 1659; Joshua,
1661; Grace. 1663; Jonathan, 1666; Hazadiah, 1668;
Jabez, 1670; Jonas, 1673. He, with his son Joshua, were
killed by the Indians, Feb. 10, 1676. and Iiis widow mar-
ried Eiias Barron of Watertown, afterwards of Groton and
Lancaster. Fairbank's home was upon the . farm now
owned by Jonas Goss. By later allotments he acquired
lands southward, including much of the farm now belong-
ing to George A, Parker. Certain items in his inventory
indicate that he was a carpenter by trade. His house lot
had originally belonged to George Adams, whose right fell
to the town through his inaction and absence. Of Fair-
bank's sons. Jonathan was killed by the Indians in 1697 ;
Junas removed to Watertown ; Jabez retained the paternal
estate, attained prominence in town affairs, and as a lieu-
tenant, gained some reputation in the Indian war. In
the year 1700 he had lands laid out to him, "on both sides of
danes Brook aboue Thomas Sawyers Sawmill." This site
became the home of the Fairbanks, and so remained for a
hundred years or more. George W. Howard now owns
their homestead.
THE LANDS OF JOHN RIGBE
AoHse Lett The house Lott of John Rigbe Lyeth on the East Side the
highway or Street that Lyelh between two Ranges of Lolls in the South
end of the town buting west upon ihat high way and east upon the high
way thai Goes to the South meadow bounded south by Che Common which
he hath now taken ten acors of it for part of his Second deuision and
Ijounded north by the house I-ott of Jacob farrati where he iiow dwelleth,
[his Lnit is L.-iid out for ten acors and is Eighty Rods Long and twenty
Rods wide and Lyeth for half a home I-ott be it more or Less —
i
i
296 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
His tMltruaH Lett His CDleniail LoU Lyelh on the east side penicook
Riuer a lilld below whare the North Riocr lud Nashaway Riuer mveti^tli
buting nest upon the Ri'uei and east [artly upon the upland and part upon
the Still Riuer the Still Rioer Runing down through part of it iKHinded
South by the Lott of Richard Smith now in the possession of Maior SinioD
WiUard and bounded north by the LotI of I'hilhp Knight nuw in the po.^
sessioQ of thoRias Wilder this Lou bdng Laid out to him foi ten 3cors
be it more or Less —
The marriage of John Rigby and Elizabeth . in
Laticaster, August 30. 1662. is duly recorded. Rigby was
probably of Dorchester, son of John. He survived the
massacre of 1676. but thenceforward disappears from Lan-
caster records. The family name clings to an old highway
between CHotoD and the Deer's Horns district, and a little
brook. long bore the same name, for reasons not discovered.
In 1715, James Wilder sold to Jabez Fairbank lands once
Rigby "s. His tirst house lot is perhaps mostly included in
the estate of the late Stcdman Xourse. Near Roper's
Brook thereon is a hollow marking an old cellar, close to
which, lil'ty years ago. were the decaying trunks of two
huge apple trees — perhaps relics of the Rigby home.
THE CHt'RCH LANDS RECORDED
Ikr tnlermail for as much as in the begining of thb plantation of
Lancaster (lie men apoynted by the General Court to Sett forwanl and
ti> order and dispose of the a&iis of this plantation and amongst the
Rest of thair fundimcntall orders whkh arc upon Record in the old town
book and also to be found in the Book of orders thare is an act Slating of
thirty acres of upland and fouitj acns of enteniail but upon seueral Con-
siderations the town not trelt waying that former act hauc nescsitaied
disposing of the Greatest part of the entenuil Land so a.i that tharc ts
none left for the use aforesaid but a little peicc by master Rowlandsons
house about four acres which Lyeth bounded northardly by the Itrook and
part by master Rowlaodsoos fence and Southerly by the pine hill that is
Laid out for Church Land and easterly it buts upon a hill of apland of
master Rowlandsoos and westerly it buts upon the meadow at GipsoB
hill;—
tMg upltmd the thirty acres of upland is Laid out Southerly from the
enteruail and is bounded notthetly by the said enleruail and by sum Land
of master Rowlandson and Southerly by the Stated Common one Comer
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 297
mark being a pine tree by the enteruail hill Gate and another in a Little
Swamp and easterly it is bounded by Goodman Prescutts and Goodman
Sawyers fence and westerly it is bounded by the Stated Common and is
laid out for thirty acors be it more or Less by Jacob farrah and Ralph
Hougbton : —
the meadow The meadow Laid out by the four men apoynted and Im-
powered to Lay out the first deuision of meadows on the east side of the
hemp Swamp and Lyeth bounded easterly by sum pine Land of Ralph
Houghton and westerly by sum brushie enteruail Land of Edward Brick
and thomas Joslin and Ralph Houghton which is there for Conueniancie
and it buts northerly upon a swamp of the said Ralph Hough tons and
southerly upon a pine bill.
Recorded this 15: March 1669/70: by me Ralph Houghton
THE LANDS OF THOMAS WILDER
his house Lott his house Lott p** wherof is situate Lying and being
within a Certain tract of Land Stated by the town for a Common it being
allowed by the town at the same time the Common was Stated Lying near
to the Walnutt Swamp and Red Spring upon the Riuer a Littel below both
buting east upon the North Riuer and west upon the Common and also
bounded South and north by the Common there being Seuenteen acors
Laid out to him : and three acors Lying bounded east by his enteruail
at the Walnutt Swamp whare he hath fenced and brok up Land and west
by the Stated Common buting north upon the North Riuer and Runs with
a Sharpe angle coming to nothing at the south end and Runin^ into the
Line of his enteruail both of which percels of Land are Laid out to him
for twenty acors be thay more or Less —
his enteruaU Lott His enteruail Lott Lying at the Walnutt Swamp the
Gratest part of it bounded easterly by the North Riuer and westerly by his
three acors of upland and partly by the Stated Common butting northardly
upon the North Riuer and Southardly upon his Seuenteen acors of upland
part of his house Lott a highway Crosing the enteruail from the neck to
the Commons at the usual place where the herd useth to pass ouer the
North Riuer the highway being fine Rods wide there being sixteen acors
and fourty Rods the Rest by which it is made up twenty acors Lyeth below
upon the Riuer begining where his Seuenteen acors of upland ends and
so foloweth the Riuer to an elbo or bend in the Riuer and a Great pine
tree on the Common on the upland a Litle before Goodman Joslins enter-
uail corns in bounded easterly by the Riuer and west by the Stated Com-
mon buting north upon his Seuenteen acors of upland and Southarly
upon that bent in the Riuer and Great pine tree both of which percels of
enteruail is Laid out to the said Goodman Wilder for twenty acors be they
more or Less.
298
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
?
Thomas Wilder, or, as he signed himself, "Wyellder,"
never resided upon the above house lot, but bought of John
Tinker a house and land half a mile south, next to John
Prescott's Cowdall purchase, then known as the Knight lot.
This remained the home of the Wilders for more than one
hundred and fifty years. Wilder was about forty years of
age when he came here from Charlestown, in 1659. He
had been admitted to the church there in 1640, and was
made freeman in 1641. Upon his arrival in Lancaster he
was at once installed in the position of selectman, vacated
by John Tinker's removal. He died October 33, 1667.
The inventory of his estate sums 405 pounds 18 shillings.
There are named in his will, his wife Ann. and children
Mary.Thomas, John, Elizabeth, Nathaniel, and Ebenezer.
None of these were born in Lancaster. Thomas and John,
at the re-settlement of the town established their homes on
Bridecake Plain, now known as the Old Common, living
on the north side of the highway. Nathaniel retained the
old homestead, and was there an inn-keeper for nearly
twenty-five years. During the war of tlie Revolution,
twenty-two soldiers bearing the family name Wilder served
for Lancaster, then including Sterling. In the year 1798
there were seventeen landholders in town named Wilder,
exceeding the number of WHlards, the next most frequent
patronymic, by four. Thomas Wilder's daughter Mary
married Daniel Allen, a cooper in Charlestown, and upon
a gift of forty acres of land from her father, they came to
Lancaster, bringing children born in Charlestown and
Watertown, but after some years' residence here, returned
to Watertown, Their son Ebenezer returned to Lancas-
ter, and his son Ebenezer was a man of note here in revo-
lutionary times. The Allen liomeslead is in tlie borders of
Clinton, and now occupied by E. A, Currier. Benjamin
Allen, who had children born in Lancaster before the mas-
sacre, was probably a brother of Daniel. In 1716, Thomas
Tucker had lands under Thomas Wilder's rights, near
Clamshell Poad.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 299
THE LANDS OF MASTER JOSEPH ROWLANDSON
kit tHlerunil Lott and Land in Lew of a hintst Lott He hath twenty
Six acres of enteruail and also Thirteen acres of upland the enteruail
Giuea him in L«w of an enteruail Lott anil ihe upland in Lew of a house
Loll by [he town and it Lyeth togather all in one peice as It was Laid out
by Jacob farrah and Ralph Houghton in the nignt pasture within that
fence that was formerly sett up by the Copartners bounded norihardlj by
the sd night pasture fence pari of the fence being standing when the Land
was Laid out, Southardly by the North Riuer easterly by penicook Riuer
and westerly by the Lott of Richard Smith then in Possession of Master
John Tinker and northeast by the town highway In the night pasture the
whole Lyeth for thirty nine acors be it more or Less. Recorded this : i; :
I ; mon : 1669 By me Ralph Houghton
Sufficient has been said of the origin of the namt^ " night
pasture," in former pages. This land is now divided
among many owners, and cut in twain by a highway.
The larger portion is in the farm of Charles L. Wilder.
In 1687, Joseph Rowlandson, the son of the minister, sold
it to Philip Goss, merchant, of Boston, who died in 1698.
John, the son of Philip Goss, sold it to Simon Stevens,
and he, May 5, 1727, transferred it to Captain Samuel
Willard, together with the Major Simon Willard home-
stu-ad adj'oining it on the west. The minister's residence
was never upon this land, but for his convenience was
located quite near the mee ling-house, which stood on the
highest ground in the middle cemetery. The Rowlandson
property in that place is not described in the Bookof Lands,
but its bounds have been discovered elsewhere. Joseph
Rowlandson, junior, probably came back to Lancaster and
rebuilt, for January 20, 1687. calling himself of Lancaster,
he deeds to Philip Goss : —
his Dwelling house in Lancaster and orchard and all y° Land about the
house as it lyeth bounded Easterly by a street or highway and westerly
partly by a brook and partly by some ministerial! meadowish Land and it,
and butts southerly upon a little Hill by the Meeting House, & northerly
upon someCoiiion Land according as it is already fenced . . And also other
peice of Land known by y' name of burying place Hield, bounded North-
erly by the North Riuer, and southerly by Jonathan Prescotts Land, ajid
300
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
it buia Westerly upon Ihe said street or highway and Easterly U buts upon
the Land of Jonathan Frescolt taking in both upland and Intervale a high
way lying through it to the burying place, and also a peice of Inierv^le
known by ihe nnine of Kerley Intervale .... and alsu a house Uitt of
Twenty acres .... upon which George Newby liues [nwur H'litno/
Swamfi'] .... and his mcjdow Lott in (he (irst Division lying neer
Gibsons Mill ....
Nov. 23, 1710, Philip and Judith Goss of Brookfield
deeded the homestead to Hooker Osgood, a saddler, from
Andover :
being the place where Mr Joseph Rowlandson formerly lim^d one part
thereof lying on the east side of the highway on which pelce the barn
standeth, It is by estimation about ten acres of upland and Iniervak . .
. . bounded west l>y the highway northerly by the North Riuer and comes
to 3 point neer the meeting of the Riuers. and bounded southerly partly
by y' burying place and partly by some Land_nowin possession of Mr
John Prentice .... Keseruing liberty of coouienient passage fur the
Inhabitants of Lancaster to the burying place, also one Barn & fencing
standing on y* Land, also about six acres more or less lying on y* west side
of sd highway on which land y* Dwelling house formerly stood [it was
burntd by /ttdians. 1704] together with all orcharding te fencing ou sd
land, and is bounded easterly by the highway towards the bridge and
westerly by a Urook .ind partly by ministers medow and butts southardly
on a peicc of ministry Land and northerly it comes neer to the Kiuer by
the Uridge . . . ■
Thomas Rowlandson, the father of the minister, must
have come from Ipswich to Lancaster very soon after his
son's settlement, with wife Bridget, but his name does not
appear among the grants of lands. He ditd here, Nov.
17, 1657, and his widow married William Kerley. senior.
31. .3.™ 1659. A curious item in the inventorj- of his estate,
which summed 113^ 9' 9:!, is : "Old shop tools Damnified
by salt water, being Left at Charlstown by the Sea Shores,
a Long ttea-vm, accounted at 3'."
Joseph Rowlandson, born in England, was sole graduate
at Harvard Coll(;ge in 1653. began to preach at Lancaster,
1654. and W3* urdiiincd in 1660. He married .Mary, daugh-
ter of John Whili-, and had children; Marj*, 15. .11. .1657,
I
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 301
died 20.. 1 1.. 1660; Joseph, 7..1..1661 ; Mary, 12.. 6.. 1665 ;
Sarah, 15 Sept., 1669. He went to Wethersfield, April,
1677, as colleague of Reverend Gershom Bulkeley, and
died suddenly, Nov. 3, 1678. The son Joseph died in
Wethersfield, in 17 13.
THE LANDS OF JAMES BUTLER
his house Lott and enteruail first he hath a tract of Land being for
the most part pine Land Laid out to him to the southward of the Cold
Spring which is Laid out to him for 134 acors be it more or less so much
being his due acording to order and Grant of the town to him 20 acres
whereof is for a house Lott and 40 acres in Lew of an enteruail Lott, 60
acors for his second deuision of upland and 14 acors in Lew of his second
deuision of enteruail and it Lyeth all together and it buts easterly upon a
Rokey bushey hill of Common upland and westerly it buts upon a pine
plain the South west corner marke standing near to a brook taking in the
Brook and southerly it is bounded by hillie pine Land for the most part
and northardly it is bounded by pine lland and sum Rocky Called Ratel
Snake hill the northeast Corner is near to sum Land of Edmon Parker
James Butler, in 1664, received from Rebecca Joslin,
widow of Thomas, certain land east of Still River. The
above lands, recorded 1666, are upon the east slope of
Wataquadock, and there his son James lived after the mas-
sacre, the elder James Butler dying March 19, 1681, and
his widow, Mary, marrying John Hinds.
THE LANDS OF JOHN HINDS
John hinds hath his thirtie acre lott Granted by the town Lying one the
east side of the Nashaway Riuer in seueral places one peice Lying to the
Southeast of Ratlesnake hill .... More he hath a peice Laid out at the
bead of the Little Brook that Runs threw James Butlers Land near his
house place
John Hinds, and Mary, widow of James Butler, were
married Feb. 9, 1681-2. Hinds came from Woburn. By
a former wife he had a son James, and perhaps others.
By Mary, in Lancaster, he had John, 1683 5 Jacob, Hope-
still, Enoch, Hannah, Deborah, and Experience. He re-
moved to Brookfield, but his son John remained on the
homestead, southeast of Wataquadock.
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
H
THE LANDS OF JOHN WARNER AND JOHN PRIEST
lhrirz:yi:acr€ iMli Part whereof is Laid oat acotdti^ to town
Grant on th« eastward side of Bare htil easterly it b bounded by sum
Common undiuided upland baring lonards Goodman Moors meadow and
westerly by ihe ass«at of bare hill for the mosi part and south and north
by Common undeuided upland and Lyeth for 24 acres be it more or Less :
more thay baue another peice l^d out for 36 acres be it more or Less on
which thay haue built bounded northerly by sum Land of Natbaoiel
Wallis [tl'alci'] and on alt other sides by common undiuided n|daiid and
is Laid out to them for their two thirty acre Lotts
John Warner was from Woburo, where, by wife Sarah,
he had children : John, 1684 ; Sarah, 1686. A headstone
in the Old Common Cemetery records the death of Re-
bekah Warner, daughter of John and Sarah, March 30,
1718. aged 20. Samuol and Ebenezer Warner, taken into
the church 171^1-16, were sons of John.
John Priest was also from Woburn, where were bom hts
children: Elizabeth, 1679: John, 1681 ; Daniel. i6S6.
The homes of Warner and Priest were upon the eastern
slope of Bare Hill in Harvard, where John Priest com-
manded a garrison in 1704.
THE LANDS OF WILUAM HUDSON
30 arret Granttd by tht town 6 aereafor killing uvlues William Hud-
scm hath hU thirty acre Lolt Granted by Ihe Town Laid out on the north
side a Range of Lotts in the south end of the town ne« to (he Stated
Common twenty acres be it more or Less bounded southerly by a Lott
whear George Newbey Liues and northerly by the Staled Common and it
buts easterly upon a highway that Leades to the Lolts in the north enter-
uail and to Walnult Swamp and westerly upon the Slated Common And
also Sixteen acres be it more or Less len acres whearof is part of his
thirty acre Lott and six acres due to him by a town agreament for killing
of wolues the whol sixteen acres Laid out in a plain thai Lyelh west or
South west from Waloull Swamp
(R«ord«l .6B7-]
William, son of Daniel Hudson, was bom June 12, 1664.
in Lancaster. In 1690 he was prosecuted for bastardy,
made a brilliant but unavailing written defence, and fled,
so far as the records show, never to return. His neighbor.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 303
George Newby, about the same date was convicted -of being
a libertine, probably a thief, and certainly — what was per-
haps esteemed more unpardonable in those days — a slan-
derer of the minister, and a despiser of the catechism.
He, too, disappears. They lived on George Hill, perhaps
not far from the Divoll place. Newby lived upon land be-
longing to Joseph Rowlandson.
LANDS OF JOHN BUSH
30 acre Grant Twenty acres of upland formerly Granted John Bush
by the town is Laid out near Makamachekamucks hill .... John Bush
hath more ten acres of Land Giuen him by the town Laid out in three
seueral places 5 acres whareof Lyeth on the east side the plumtree mead-
ows on both sides a little brook Called Bemans Brook .... one acre
whearof is allowed for a highway through his Land to Joshua A thertons
House two acres more or Less Lying on both sides a Little Brook Called
Kerleys Brook .... fower acres more or Less Lying on the north west
side of Bare hill ....
[Recorded 1684 and 1694.]
Besides the town grant, Bush had lands given him by
Major Willard, which his son John sold to Samuel Willard
and Benjamin Bellows, with the above grant, in 17 10.
John Bush, senior, died Sept. i, 1688, leaving a widow,
Hannah (who married Rutter) and two children,
John and Sarah.
THE LANDS OF JAMES FROST
30 acres his first T^tt A discription of a 30 acre Lott formerly Laid
out to Nathaniel Wales by uertue of a town Grant but now in the posses-
sion of James frost as appears by a Later Grant of the town to him the sd
frost and also with the Consent of NathP Hutson who had formerly had
a Grant of sd Lott by the town but sence Resigned it up to the town again
Laid out to sd frost the most part of it on the east side of bare hill bound-
ed easterly by the Land of John Warner & Southerly by Common Rockey
Land and northerly by Common undiuided Land on the sd bare hill and
westerly by common Land baring towards the meadow path and is Laid
out for 25 acres : and another peice of Swampy meadowish Land ....
Laid out for thirty acres be thay more or Less togather with 30 pounds
Right and estate on the town Book : —
[Recorded 1694.]
304
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Nathaniel Wales was of Milton. James Frost was, per-
haps, of Billerica. As neither of these granleea appear
again in land records, they probably abandoned their
claims.
THE LANDS OF JOSIAH WHEELER
The Lands pf Josuh Wheeler Granted him by the town being his 30
acre Lott and other deuisioo : there is Laid oul lo the sd Josiah Wheeler
lnrcDty three acres of his first Lott Lying whear he tirst built not for from
the bog swamp his house Sl^uidiiig oear the middle of sd Land ....
and buts on Marlbrough path the east Line fiai\ of It Runs ouer a Rockey
hlU and tatcs in a Long pine Swamp at that side and a lillle aboue the
house the line turns with a short Crook and so Runs up to Marlbmugh
path this peicc 13 acres more he hath seuen acres Laid out apon the
brook that Runs from ht^ Swamp meadows to Spectacle meadow near
wharc sd Ilrook Corns out of the bog Swamp meadows and Lyeth mostly
on the nuttb udc of the Brook .... both peices is Laid out for his
first thirty acres Granted him by the Town Read the 5*^ : of febniary
1699/ 10 in ortkr tu be Recortted : —
In the chtirch records. 1710, "Josiah \\lieeler and his
wife iWm Conctinl church," were admitted members of the
Lanrastcr church, \ahum Ward purchased ten pounds
(own right of Josiah Wheeler, on Wataquadock, about 17 18.
THE LANDS OF JEREMIAH WILLSON
JO mtrt LMt Grtmtrd ty Uf CMt« Ictemiah WiUson hatb his 30 acre
Lott Gnnttd by the town Laid out in difee pteccs oa tbe east side Nash-
away Riaci one peice Lii^ near the Cold Sfriag bf the CottBUvy Road
boondeit mirth by the Cowunr high «»]r kad Sooth by the ConnoB l^ind
aad wvsi by Sum Laad of GaaMlid IkaMit adioywiBg to ti and east by
Sum CouHMM LAnd Left far a Cart vay to James Bailers Land whan
hb hotise stood and tbe said peke of Laad is Laid oat far sii acres
umI half be it More or Less : — Uorv be hub a peke Laid oat on tlw hill
abooe that bonMled cast by snbb Land of Roger Sornncr aad vest bjr
CamnMS Land and Sonth by Commoo Rochej Land and north faf Swn
Coiwnan Land that Ljcth betwixt it and the Coontiir hi^waj and L^eth
fat feMTtcca ams be U More or Less .... Uvc he hath a a pc« at
Land Laid ont «■ Ae top of Waoqaadoke UI o« [be oorth side tbe
Coantiie h^«aj W UaAmch bniwg Soub on ihe sd «a; wd north
on soM Land of Nathaniel Josfis JoyaMg 10 his *Q«hnest Corner Mafke
Md CM «W aesi k is bovnlal hj p
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 305
for nine acres and half be it more or Less : and was Laid out by John
Houghton all the sd three peices of Land are Laid out for his fiill due
for his thirty acre Lott be it more or Less : —
[Recorded 1690.]
Jeremiah Wilson was the son of Benjamin of Charles-
town. The stone over his grave in the Old Common burial
ground tells us that he died March 22, 1743, aged 77 years.
He was an active church member at the coming of Rever-
end John Prentice, and had sons Benjamin and Nathaniel.
THE LANDS OF JOHN MOORE
A discription of Sum Land Laid out for John Moore being part of the
Lott Granted for him by the town and Land belonging to it he hath one
peice Laid out near the Cartway that Lyeth Round Wataquatock hill in an
ash swamp 3 acres be it more or Less : one peice of
Land Laid out to John Moore part of his 30 acre Lott in a plain ....
six acres be it more or Less : and also he hath about three quarters of an
acre Laid adioyning to thair former Land by their house at the place whare
a yong orchard is planted More Laid out for sd John Moore
about 50 acres of Land being part of the Lott and Lands in deuisions be-
longing that was Granted for him by the town and Lyeth on the east side
of the way to Marlbrough part of it was formerly Laid out by Insine John
Moore and Lyeth in one Intire peice and bounded westerly partly by sd
Road and partly by a Spruce Swamp
[Recorded 1708-9 and 1714-15.]
THE 30 ACRE LOTT GRANTED TO JOSEPH MOORE
A discription of the thirty acre Lott Granted for Joseph Moore and
since his Death sd Lott is acounted to his brother Jonathan Moore & is
Laid out to him as followeth part of said Lott is Laid out near
to hog Swamp .... laid out for two acres be it more or less : — more he
hath another peice Laid near to it being a long slip of meadowish Ground
.... two acres be it more or less : — more he hath a peice of upland
laid out towards the Great hill by hog swamp meadow adjoyning to his
former Land twelue acres be it more or Less : — more he hath a
Long Slip Lying betwen that and his house in the edge of a swamp
bounded west by his former Land .... fiue acres be it more ' or Less :
ten acres formerly marked out by Insine John Moore ....
nine acres of the said ten is Laid out to the said Jonathan Moore to make
ap his first 30 acors and one acre on the acount of the 30 pound Right
Granted with sd Lott :
[Recorded 1708-9.J
20
3o6 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
1
Joho. Joseph and Jonathan Moore were sons of Ensign
John and Ann (Sntith ) Moore. In the oldest Bolton burial
place, east ol' Wataquadock, the headstones above the graves
of John and Jonathan state that the former died in 1740,
aged 79 years, and the latter in 1741, aged 74 years. They
had a garrison east of Wataquadocic in 1704.
THE LANDS OF CALEB SAWYER
A discHpiion of Sum Land Laid out for Caleb Sawyer January 14;
1716/17 He hath fifty six acres and a half of Land Laid out in one intire
peice on the easterly side of Bare hill whear the sd Caleb Sawyer now
LIueth and is bounded southerly for a Considerable par! of that Line upon
a highway and hath a highway of fiue Rods wide Lying through
sd Land allowed for in meashur sd way being near 90 Rods in Length in
sd Land twenty six acres and half is part of his 30 acre Lott in
the first deuislon Granted him by the town and was Laid out to him for-
merly by Ralph Houghton and is now encompased and Included within
the LJnes aboue priscribed the whole Laid out for fifty six acres and half
more or Less ; the other part of his first deuision of his 30 acre Lotl
Lyelh on the easterly side of Bare hill towards the northerly end it being
a peice of meadow Ground called the horse meadow
Caleb Sawj'er was the fifth son of Thomas Sawyer, and
grandson of John Prescott, born 1659.
SAMUEL BENNETS LAND
Samuel BmnHs 30 aire Lott Granted him by the tcwn now Skeafi
A discriplion of the thirty acre Lott Granted to Samuel Bennil and since
Exchanged by him for the thirty acre Lott formerly Granted by the town
to John Willard the said t^tt Granted to Samuel Bennit t>eing now in the
possession of William Sheaf of Charlstown Laid out one the west side
of t>are hill a Little distant from Joshua Atherlons meadow and Is bound-
ed on all sides by common uiidiuided Land It being Eighty Rods Long
and Sixty Rods wide : the discriplion whearof was Read before the town
the fifth day of february : 1693/4 in order to be recorded ....
Samuel Bennett was the son of George, who was the
grandson of Richard Linton. George Bennett was slain
in Monoco's raid. Aug. 21, 1675, and left widow Lydia and
children — John, born 1659; Mary, 1661 ; Samuel, 1665;
George, 1669: Lydia. 1674- Samuel owned Linton's lands
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 367
in the centre of Lancaster. Samuel Bennett's saw-mill,
"up the north river," is mentioned as early as 1717. He
died 1742, aged seventy-seven years. Bennett sold his
John Willard lot to Joseph Waters, and it was by him
transferred to Isaac Hunt.
JOHN WILLARDS LAND
John Willards Lott 30 acres all Laid out hear This day being the first
of febniary 1691 /2 the town Confirmed the Same to Benjmin Willard
John Willards Lott now in the possession of Benimin Willard is Laid out
in seueral peices one part whareof Lyeth betwen the Lands of Henery
Willard and Zebadiah Wheelers Land bounded westerly by Henery Will-
ards Land & easterly by Henery Willards & Zebadiah Wheelers Land and
southerly by sum of his own Land Lying partly in a triangle : and he hath
another peice on the south side of Zebadiah Wheelers Land and westerly it
buts upon Henery Willards Land & easterly itbuts upon or near the Great
pond meadow .... more he hath ten acres Lying near the Brook
meadow .... which makes up his compliment of thirty acres Granted
him by the town : Recorded this first february : 1691 /2
p John Houghton Recorder
If this land grant were proof of residence, Lancaster
could perhaps claim one victim, at least, to the hideous
persecutions for witchcraft. What relationship this John
Willard bore to Benjamin and Henry, whose lands bor-
dered upon this grant, has not been discovered. But the date
of the record and the transfer to Benjamin, favor the opin-
ion that this was the John Willard who had lived at Groton
and suffered death at Salem after his attempted escape and
capture at Lancaster. Robert Calef, in " More Wonders
of the Invisible World," tells us :
John Willard had been imployed to fetch in several that were accused ;
but taking dissatisfaction from his being sent to fetch up some that he had
better thoughts of, he declined the Service, and presently after he himself
was accused of the same Crime and that with such vehemency, that they
sent after him to apprehend him : he had made his Escape as far as Nash-
awag, about 40 Miles from Salem: yet tis said those Accusers did then
presently tell the exact time, saying now Willard is taken.
m
30S ASSAL5 (W LASC\STER.
He WIS aried ior wi:chczan, cocTicted upon the absurd
statemeots 01' hU accu^aeri. and hung Aug. 19, 1692. A
lull account oi" his iHal is giwn in "Groton ia the Witch-
craft "nmes," by the HoiK>raI>'e Samuel A. Green.
THE LAND OF CAPT BORD.MAN
Lvd ou) tcr C'p: Booi'saa •>« baadrcd Ancs of Land being Granted
by <ht Jxma t^ iv:s C>n=da:ba- S9K<faea Dar oeir Wascharomb one peice
<rf siwy «CT«s ihiievM'^ Lwh spi'* a faiQ caDed wasctncomb hill upon the
Donfa side thireot - - . . t^ <>*«■ iccrt y acres L}-eth under a Great hill
aboue a inea.;ow calkd ;«si«::» soeadov .... Laid out febraary the
\Mlliam Bt^rdmao. the grand5on of Steven Day, and
adraini<.u^tor ot" hifi estate, received the above grant as
some recoi^nition by the town ol" the services of one, who,
more than any other of the tirst proprietors, save John
Prescott, aideii in establishing the settlement and forward-
ing its interests. Steven Day of Cambridge, England,
reached America in lO^lS, being, though a locksmith by trade,
brought over as a primer b\- the Reverend Jesse Glover.
GIr.ver died duiiii;; the passage, but Day, early in 1639,
5e! up lor the widow the iirsl printing press in America
north <-•{ Mexii-o. and during that year printed "the Free-
man> Oath " and an almanac, and the next year, " the Book
of Psalms." In 104! the General Court took notice of his
enterprise, as follows :
Stephen Day. Iieing the first th.it set u;xiii printing, is granted 300 acres
T>h*re it m.iy bee convenient w-Vut preiuilice lo any town —
[ M.isuchusetls Records.]
But Day is soon found in tinancial difficulties. In 1643
the court released him from jail upon his giving "100* bond
for his appearance when he is called for," and in 1644 he
is again under duress, sending from prison a petition for
n-lief, complaining of the harsh dealing of creditors. In
1647 he had been deposed from the management of the
Cambridge press, his son Matthew, first steward of Har-
vard College, receiving his place. Matthew died in 1649,
and Day became a journeyman printer at the press he had
set up, under Samuel Green, where he remained until his
death, in 1667. He never lived in Lancaster, though often
here. He owned two house lots, that next Prescott's Cow-
dall purchase on the north , which he sold tu Phi lip Knight,
and the lot afterwards assigned to John Roper, which Day
obtained of Solomon Johnson, exchanging for it his three
hundred acre grant, above mentioned. His land rights
here were all vacated finally by his inability to improve
them.
In Massachusetts Archives, xxx, 134-5, is the following
petition of Steven Day, giving his own estimate of his
labors in behalf of Lancaster in its infancy :
To iht Honaured Gemrall Court now sitting at Boston ;
The humble Petition of Steven Day ; In most humble wise sheneth ;
That whereas yo' Fetilion' was one of the first vndertakers for the Planta-
tion now called Lancaster, & for the furtherance of the Planting thereof
at great cxpences of time & estate with both English & Indiana, for the
gaining of a placid entertainment with the one, & helping on the other,
as is well known to the Inhabitants of that place, as aliso in part to my
neighbors who were eye witneases of my continued burthen, either by
being absent from my Ramily, which was then more considerable than
(through Gods I'roviclenee to me) now it is: or by entertaining both
English & Indians at my own house from day to day for some ycares to-
gether; yet so it hath hapned, that although many others haue increased
their estates & comforts, by acquiring to themselues great AccofTiodations
(by reason ol divine Providence obstructing my personal! residence there)
1 haue failed of such personall Accoinodations in that place : And after
all my Labo' & expence of time, strength & estate, although through Gods
blessing on my endeavo" I haue a Town & a Church of God there setled,
to behold as the birth of my Labo? which 1 esteem a greater Reward from
God, then my own particular advancement: yet cannot rcjoyce in any
Lands therein acijuirtd to me or mine. Now so it is. that the Sagamore
of that Plantation \Mallkew\ (his ingenuity somewhat exceeding others
of the barbarous Natives.) remembring my former kindnesses, hath by
Deed of Gift giuen & granted vnlo me & my heires for ever, all his Right
in a certain Tract of Planting Land, by him there for a long lime pos-
My humble request therefore is for this favo! That a CoJTiittee of meet
3IO
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
penoM appointed by this hoDooicfi Court may be impowctcd lo bound
out the said Land vnto me. according to the rotent of the Law detennin-
ing the Indians Right; with such an addition of Me;Miow as may happen
to bl\ within the ftaating Lands: And (hat the same may be Legally
aeded on me Sc mine by the Authority of this haooured Court.
And yo* Pelioa' shall evei pray ttc.
Endanementt I The Committee haaeing posed this Peticon : do
Judge meet that 2 or 3 meet peisons be itnpowered to leiw & bound to y*
Pelicioner. what shall appeare to be granted him by the Indians according
to y true intent of y* law setliog the Indians right, and y' some small
accomodacion of meadow be added thereto not exceeding 40 acc* —
Thomas Danfohth
21-3-1667 Edward Collins
Hbnrv Bahtkolomew
1. The deputyes doe not approuc of the returne of the comittee in
answer to this petition, but doe Judge meete to graunt the pet* libertie to
procure of the sd Indians by sale or otherwise to the quanlitie of one
hundred & fifty Acors of vpland, & this Court dolh also graunt to ihe pet'
twenty Acors of meaddow where he can find It free from former graunls
& all w'" refference to the Consent of o' Honored Magists. hereto,
24 - 3 - 1667— Consented to by y' magisf
William Torrey Citric
Steplien Day di
111667.
The papers from the case of "Administrator of Steven
Days Estate, vs John Roper," found in Middlesex Court
Files, give some facts in our local history not set down in
town records :
To the Marshall General i>r his Deputy or tu the Coiistuble ,</ LnHUHltr
or his Deputy^
Vou are hereby required in his Majesties name to attach the goods or
in want thereof the person of John Koper Sen' of l.ancaster and lake
bond of him to the value of two hundred and fifly pounds with sufficient
surety or aurelycs for his appearance alt the next County Court holden atl
Cambridge upon the first day of October next, There and then to answer
Ihe complaint of William Ilordman of Cambridge in an action of the case
for denying of the said Bordnian full and true possession of house and
Lands that is att present in the possession of said Roper in
Lancaster which sometime was in the hands of Solomon Johnson Sen'
now of Marlborough and .ifier that in the hand of Mr Stephen Day of
Cambridge which house and lands with the appurtenances and priveledges
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725. 311
thereto belonging doth by due and true right belong unto the said William
■ Bordman with all due Dahiages about the same and hereof you are to
make a true return under yo*" hand and not to fayle. Dated this 26 of
July 1667 By the Court. Samuel Green
I have attached the possessions of John Ropper and taken security,
by the consent of the Plaintiff, his own Bond.
Edward Mitchell Marshall
Verdict, In the case depending betweene William Bordman & John
Roper we find for the defendent. Costs of Court.
Accompanying above is a copy of the town's grant of
1653, and this certificate :
This may certify any man vnto whom these p'sents may com. that
about 9 years ago Mr Day of Cambridge laying claim to a lot somtime
in the possession of Goodman Johnson of Marlborough, the Town was
willing he should possess prouided he would subscribe to the orders of the
Town which he readily consented to, and subscribed his hand to our Town
book, wherin was this Act of the Town vpon Record. That euery one
bound themselues to build, plant land and inhabit within one whole year
after this acceptance of their lots or els to loose all their charges and Lots
and pay 5*** to the Town, and herevnto Mr Day subscribed his hand the
15**" I*' month 1653. ^"t he neuer came to inhabit, nor do anything about
building or breaking Land vnto this day nor bear any publick charg, but
about 6 or 7 years ago goodman Roper who somtime liued at Charles-
town, desired to com to Hue among vs, and had a liking to that Lot being
Mr Day bad forfeited it by his not keeping covenant w**» y*' Town. Yet
notwithstanding the Town had so much respect to Mr. Day that they
allowed him that goodman Roper should pay to Mr Day what buildings,
fencing &c might be worth which both Mr Day and goodman Roper con-
sented vnto. They made choise of vs whose hands arc subscribed to
jvdg betwixt them what it may be worth that is to say the building and
fencing as aforsaid, and it was judged that goodman Roper should pay 15*
to Mr Day.
Lancaster this 9 : 8 month: 1662. Witnesses
John Prescott
Ralph Houghton
Swome in Court 1:8**^: 1667 by y*^ ptys subscribed as attests
Thomas Danforth Re
The lott in question was that upon the east end of which the George Hill school-
house now stands.
BIRTHS. MARRIAGES, AND DEATHS
LANCASTER FAMILIES,
1 645 -1 700.
A YELLOW and ifym leaf frooi original records, in the
backd-writing of Ralph Houghton, was. in 1826, dis-
covered by Josiah Flagg. tuwn clerlt. among the papers c^
Captain Hezekiah Gates, and has been caretblly preserved-
It contains the dates and names uf fift>- births in Lancaster
pre^wus to 1666. The returns of the two earliest clerks
of the writs, Ralph Houghton and Cyprian Stevens, seem,
however, lo have been regularly made to the Middlesex
Coart. and as found in the Middlesex Registry, have been
printed in the New England Historical and Genealogical
Register, xvi, 352-9, and x\ii, 70. Ten years bad elapsed,
however, from the founding »( the tirst homes on the Nash-
away, before Ralph Houghton was made clerk of the
writs and began his returns : and for dates pre\'tous to 1656
he must have relied upon family memorials and individual
recollections. Errors and omisdons lor that period there-
fore doubtless exist. If records were kept between 1686
and 1700, no trace of them has been found. The first
book of such records in the town archives contains a dis-
orderly mass of material, its dates covering the eighteenth
century. Of its three hundred and sixc>' pages one-third
are devoted to "marriage intentions." The death roll is
especially scant, having but three dates earlier than 1718.
The birth records are at tirst by families, and to some cases
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 313
may be complete from 1700. The book bears evidence of
having been begun by John Houghton, but probably not
before 1718, if so soon, the earlier births being gathered
from family records. The following chronologically ar-
ranged lists embrace those of the Middlesex Registry, and
such other births, marriages and deaths in Lancaster fami-
lies to A. D. 1700, as have been ascertained from various
sources. When copied from an original record the orthog-
raphy of the recorder has been retained.
BIRTHS.
The first birth noted by Ralph Houghton is that of
Joseph Waters in 1647. It is quite possible that earlier
births than this were unrecorded, for in previous pages it
has been shown that the Prescott and Waters families were
here in 1645 and 1646, and to each a son was added during
those years, the place and exact date of whose birth have
not been discovered. In a deposition Nov. 6, 1683, Jona-
than Prescott is called "about thirty-eight," and in another of
i67o,"twenty-three years old." The list of the Waters fam-
ily, on a preceding page, shows so remarkable a regularity
of periodic increase as almost to prove that a child was
born here in 1645, or brought into the wilderness at an ex-
ceeding tender age. Perhaps Adam Waters was the first
white child bom in Lancaster, and Jonathan Prescott the
second.
A.D. Month.
Day.
Name.
Parents.
1645? —
—
Adam Waters.
Lawrence and Ann {^Unton) . \not
recorded^ .
1646?
—
Jonathan Prescott.
John and Mary {Plaits), [not re-
corded"] .
1647 2
29
Joseph Waters.
Lawrence and Ann.
1648 —
Jonas Prescott.
John and Mary, [not recorded].
1649 '
I
K Jacob Waters. ?
\ Rachell Waters. \
Lawrence and Ann.
1649 5
2
Thomas Sawyer.
Thomas and Marie (Prescott).
1650 II
16
Ephraim Sawyer.
Thomas and Marie.
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
I Daniel Hud-ton.
S;imuell Waters.
M^rio Sawyer.
I Jolunnn Waters.
iUrie Houghton.
Marie Hudson.
I James Alherwn.
. \ Mai-&i r^rkor. {
) tjitcr Parker. {
John Hoi:ehvn.
, Maiic More.
IViv
1 I'aiker
Daniel and Joaniu.
Lawrence and Ann.
Thomas and Marie.
Lawrence and Ann.
Ralph and Jane.
Daniel and Joanna.
Richard and Marie,
lames and Hanna.
Edmur.d and Eli^btTr
Thom.isaadMi.'ie.
Kil-.h and Isat.
loh=ir.d Ar.r. .S'Ku'i.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
315
A.D. Month.
Day.
Name.
Parents.
i66r
2
6
John Sawyer.
Thomas and Marie.
1661
6
19
Mary Bennitt.
George and Lidia.
1661
10
20
Waitestill Sumner.
•
Roger and Mary (yoslih).
1661
12
17
Sarah Houghton.
Ralph and Jane.
1662
I
4
Dorathy Josllin.
Nathaniel and Sarah.
1662
I
10
John Hudson.
Daniel and Joanna.
1662
2
7
John More.
John and Ann.
1662
4
4
John Rugg.
John and Hannah {Prescott).
1662
8
I
Hittabel Rogers.
Jeremiah and Abiah.
1662
10
8
Rachell Courser.
Arklous and Rachell {Rofier),
1663
2
18
Thankefull Beaman.
Gamaliell and Sarah.
1663
5
2
John Rigby.
John and Elizabeth.
1663
5
8
Hannah Kerley.
Henry and Elizabeth.
1663
5
26
Joseph Josllin.
Abram and Beatrix.
1663
5
31
Barrachia Lewis.
John and Hannah.
1663
8
4
Jehosephat Rogers.
Jeremiah and Bia.
1663
9
15
Grace Fairbanke.
Jonas and Lydia.
1663
9
25
Jacob Wheeler.
Richard and Sarah (/Yesco//) .
1663
•
II
5
Elizabeth Sawyer.
Thomas and Mary.
1664
2
17
Samuell Allin.
Daniell and Marie {lyiltier).
i664
4
12
William Hudson.
Daniel and Joanna.
1664
5
II
Mercy Rugg.
John and Hannah.
1664
5
15
Abigail Houghton.
Ralph and Jane.
1664
6
3
Simon Courser.
Archelaus and Rachel.
1664
7
28
John Divoll.
John and Hannah {IVhite),
1664
8
20
Joseph Moore.
John and Ann.
1664
II
2
Zebediah Wheeler.
Richard and Sarah.
1665
?
?
Benjamin Willard.
Simon and Mary.
1665
5
17
Steeven Gates.
Steeven and Sarah (pyoodimrd)
1665 July
22
Samuell Benit.
George and Lidia.
1665
6
5
Mary Sumner.
Roger and Mary.
1665
6
8
Rebecca Lewis.
John and Hannah.
1665
6
12
Mary Rowlandson.
Joseph and Mary.
i66s
9
12
Josiah Whetcomb.
Josiah and Rebecca (IVaters).
1665
10
3
Beatrix Houghton.
John and Beatrix.
1665
12
22
Peter Joslin.
Nathaniel and Sarah.
1666
5
6
Abiah Rogers.
Jeremiah and Abiah.
1666
5
13
Bethia Lewis.
John and Hannah.
1666
5
17
Ann Moore.
John and Ann.
1666
—
Deborah Sawyer.
Thomas and Mary.
1666
7
'S
Thomas Rugg.
John and Hannah.
1666
8
6
Hannah Willard.
Simon and Mary.
1666
8
6
Elizabeth Atherton.
James and Hannah.
1666
8
7
Jonathan Fairbank
Jonas and Lidia.
3i6
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
A.D. Mai^
DV-
!(_>.
fw—.
I«66 8
■4
MaiyKcrlcy.
Hewyaad Eficabeih.
i«66 lo
■4
Marie JosIiD.
Abiam and Beatrix.
1666 II
7
Elnzihan AUm.
Danie) XDd Man.
1666 ■■
7
Jonah WhetoHBb.
Josiah and Rebeco.
1666 13
Satab Wheder.
Rkhanlud Sanh.
l66rj»v
6
Ba^tbebK Rogen-
JennnatiaMlAbbli.
i66r April
a
Jafa.We(tee.
TbonnsanllXbank.
i667>toir
36
Hehitoye beuaa.
GamalklmdSaiali.
i6G7j«K
7
£Uaberiij(«li».
\alba>ieta>dS>^.
1667 jD-e
12
HHonhDWoll.
Job* aad Hannah.
1667 Ai*.
3
SiMmCaar^
ArTl--b«saBdI{acbd-
1667 Sq>t.
7
Ab««aB»L^
Duud and Joaiua.
i66rOct.
16
Banab M<yj.
a«ij«e.
1668- Jn.
t
AneHodsor
;.■..-"-.' lod Joanm,
i66Sl».
31
Pauiencr Lfwi&-
■668 Feb.
aa
Darid WUitoBb.
1668 Feb.
aS
;<•!»» ami Lidia.
1668 Hanb
tf
George Benaetu
<";e--;t n--? TJ^:!=-
1668 April
II
1668 lh7
■2
M-T Wedge.
1 'ab.
1668 II7
»S
Be^piia HMchkMi
John and beatrix.
•668 J«
iS
M-yF-or
Johiia«|vUr ,MdUw^.
1668 Sept.
17
HuHhWhclRMb.
Jonlkan ^.j HuGab.
1668 Itac
IS
J««p*»»w.
JobDawlH^ r^b-
1669 Feb.
2
M-TPresc»«.
Johnand .^nM-O-
■669 Feb.
20
TbooatAlka.
■669 Feb.
36
Haonah.
■669 Uaidi
38
Jcsi^KerieT.
}:.. ■ _. . .. ..-li.
1669 March
=9
JicofcFarT:ir
Jacob aod Haimah (HwiforJ).
1669 Uar
'9
Jonaihan Uooie.
John and .Ana.
1669 M>J
U
EUnbeth U-becfer.
Rkhaid aiMl Sanh.
■669J»K
I
Debonli Adtcrtoo.
James ud Hannah.
i6G9Sept.
'5
Jc«ephaodMarj.
■e69Sepc
=7
JiKohDtralL
John and HanuJi.
■669 Nov.
3S
JokaFamh.
John and Marr.
■669l>ec.
■4
Jomha lAltbid
Sm^amAit^
l6no .
30
J«b«We«(Br
-TlMHnd beborab.
1673 J
II
MMTCoyner.
AicbebBMdltadbd.
i6ro 5
17
LiDrarae.
«ttM«Mf£SabcdL
1673 6
16
GewseFwrah.
JwobaadllwA
1670 9
=4
joouhuKctde.
j«b.>.dnabc(b (ir^rf).
i6-» 9
^
Nathaud Sa«n«r.
TlnmadlbiT.
i6r» M
2
HaBBahRiqX-
JohaandHaM^
1670 II
S
Jabei Faiibank.
JousandLidk.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
317
A.D. Month.
Day.
Name.
167I
I
10
Maria Moore.
1671
2
29
Samuel Wheeler.
167I
3
2
Twins Prescott.
167I
3
»5
Nathaniel Hudson.
1671
4
20
John Lewis.
167I
6
29
Hannah Whetcomb.
167I
7
10
^ Benjamin Allen. )
) Hannah Allen. ^
167I
8
9
Rebecca Sumner.
167I
9
12
Rebecca Whetcomb.
167I
9
16
Hannah McLoud.
167I
'9
26
Israel Rogers.
1671
10
27
Mary Whetcomb.
1671
II
30
Mary Sawyer.
1672
I
5
William Bennett.
1672
2
8
William Divoll
1672
2
10
Jonathan Prescott.
1672
2
18
Joseph Atherton.
1672
3
14
Rebecca Joslin.
1672
4
10
Martha Kerley.
1672
4
27
Ruth Whitcomb.
1672
S
30
Sarah Houghton.
1672
6
6
John Farrar.
1672 .
6
26
William Lincorne.
1672
9
22
Mary Steevens.
1672
9
. 24
John Prescott.
1672
II
26
Priscilla Roper.
1672
12
13
John Houghton.
1673
I
12
Abigail Allen.
1673
I
23
Samuel. Waters
1673
3
6
Jonas Fairbank.
1673
3
16
Rebecca Rugg.
1673
5
II
John Wilder.
1^3
6
10
Martha Sawyer.
1673
II
2
Susanna Rogers.
1673
II
2
William Lewis.
1673
II
26
William Sumner.
1673
12
26
Elizabeth Lincorne.
1674
I
8
Johanna Whitcomb.
1674
2
17
Jacob Houghton.
1674
3
5
Abigail Whitcomb.
1674
3
9
Beatrix Joslin.
1674
6
7
Lidia Bennett.
1674
?
•
Sarah Whitcomb.
Parents.
John and Ann.
Richard and Sarah.
Jonathan and Dorothy.
Daniel and Joanna.
John and Hannah.
Jonathan and Hannah.
Benjamin and Hannah.
Roger and Mary
Josiah and Rebecca.
Mordecai and Lidia {Lewis) .
Jeremiah and Abiah.
Job and Mary.
Thomas Jr. and Sarah.
George and Lidia.
John and Hannah.
Jonathan and Dorothy.
James and Hannah.
Nathaniel and Sarah.
Henry and Elizabeth.
John and Mary.
John and Beatrix.
Jacob and Hannah.
William and Elizabeth.
Cyprian and Mary {IViiiard.)
John and Sarah.
Ephriam and Priscilla.
John Jr. and Mary {Farrar).
Benjamin and Mary.
Samuel and Mary {Hudson).
Jonas and Lidia.
John and Hannah
John and Hannah.
Thomas and Mary.
Jeremiah and Abiah.
John and Hannah.
Roger and Mary.
William and Elizabeth.
Josiah and Rebecca.
John Jr. and Mary.
Jonathan and Hannah.
Abraham Jr. and Ann.
George and Lidia.
John and Mary.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
319
A. D. Month.
16S4 Feb.
1684 May
16S4 May
1684 Sept.
1684 Nov.
Day.
29
8
12
29
22
1685 Jan. 22
1685 Feb. 20
1685 April 20
1685 Sept. 3
1686 July 24
1686 Dec. ' 8
1786 — —
1687 March 30
Name.
Gamaliel Beman.
Anna Houghton.
John Whitcomb.
John White.
! Isaac Wheeler.
Experience Wheeler
Sarah Wilder.
Jonathan Houghton.
Jonathan Wilder.
Beatrix Houghton.
John Wheeler.
Peter Jo.slin.
Dorothy Wilder.
Edward Sawyer.
\
Parents.
John and Priscilla.
John and Mary.
Jonathan and Hannah.
Josiah and Mary.
Isaac and Experience.
Thomas and Mary.
John and Mary.
Nathaniel and Mary.
Robert and Esther.
Isaac and Experience.
Peter and Sarah.
Nathaniel and Mary.
John and Mary (Bail).
After this date the records of Lancaster births, in Mid-
dlesex Registry, abruptly cease. The following have been
gathered from various sources supposed trustworthy :
Month. Day.
A. D.
686
687
688
688 — —
688 — —
March 13
689
689
689
690
690
690
691
691
692
693
693
693
693
694
694
695
695
700
March 27
April 18
Jan. 27
May 3f
March 26
June 20
March 28
May 1 1
June 6
Name.
Hezekiah Willard.
Elizabeth Wilder.
Abigail Whitcomb.
Nathaniel Wilder.
Joseph Willard.
Thankful White.
Abigail Houghton.
Anna Wilder.
Elizabeth Phelps.
Samuel Willard.
Anna Wilder.
Mary Wilder.
Mary Goss.
James Willard.
Hooker Osgood.
Amos Sawyer.
John Goss.
Josiah Willard.
Hannah Whitcomb.
Oliver Wilder.
Mary Wheelock.
Jonathan Willard.
Josiah Wilder.
Parents.
Henry and Mary.
Thomas and Mary.
Josiah and Rebecca.
Nathaniel and Mary.
Henry and Mary.
Josiah and Mary.
Robert and Esther.
Thomas and Mary.
Edward and Ruth.
Henry and Dorcas.
John and Hannah.
Thomas and Mary.
Philip and Mary.
Henry and Dorcas.
Hooker and Dorothy.
Nathaniel and Mar)\
Philip and Mary.
Henry and Dorcas.
Josiah and Mary.
Nathaniel and Mary.
Joseph and Elizabeth,
Henry and Dorcas.
John and Sarah.
AXSALS OF LANCASTER.
MARRIAGES-
Under d-itf May 36. 1653. the ijQowing (Mrder is ibund
in Masaachosens Rj^n^rda :
ta is arddcd dm Mr Jo&n Tlncfccr sIbII 1 s heoby DBpownd to
marry Geargt Bencen & LidiSa Elbbr i wiu arc pvblisbed
acconliiiff u Ia.vc.
Before this authority' was confeireii opon Master Tinker,
Lancaster coaples wishing to be joined in wedlock were
compelled lo seek a ma^istraEe elsewhere. In 1660. Major
Simon WiUard became a permanent resident in Lancaster.
and by virme ot' his office as Assistant, solemnized mar>
riages.
TttooBS Siwnr and Uaty PrescMt.
Joha Rugs and Martha Prescwtt.
2 mciatd Smi'ji jod sidow Ji»niia i^uarUs. m Boston
; Heory Keriey istd ElFoipcth WTiiw. in Sudbury.
16 i-jha MooiY and Aon Smtih. in Sudbury.
Jo;«ph RovLmdsoa and Mary White.
Nathaniel Joslin and Saish King of Mariboroagh.
Roger Sumner and >larv JosliD.
Samuel Davis and Mary Waters,
j Joha Maynard and Maiy Gates, io Sudbury.
;S Jonas Fairbanke and Udu (Vscott. in Lancaster.
13 Geor^ Bennett and Lidia Kibby.
2 Richard Wbeclcc and Sarsh Prescott-
31 William Kerley Sen. and Bricheit Rowlandsoii.
4 John Rogg and Hancah Prescott.
? .Ajrhelatts Courser aod Rachel Roper. [.W in
LdKiaJter Rairds.'\
30 John Rigby and EUuabetb .
33 John Deuall ^J>iv<M\ and Hannah White.
r6 William Keriey Sen. and Rebeccah Joslin. widow.
4 Josiah Whetcombe and Rebeccah Waters.
30 John Farrar and Mary ,
25 Jonathan Whetcombe and Hannah .
2; Thomas Wilder and .Maiy Houghton.
1 1 Jacob Farrab Jr. and Hannah Haymrd.
1643
yf^
r-SH
6
.654 No-.
erne*.
1654 N.>v
embei
I6i6
.6i6
i6i'.
i6i6
t6ii .A,pr
il
.6i^
3
.6;.*
4
1^.5*
6
1659
3
i«o .May
i«i
-*
n5fc .August
i^^3
10
1664
3
i'^^4
M
if fa June
i'/.7 N'.v(
embei
\f/A June
\f/& Nov
embei
r7
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725.
321
A. D. Month.
Day
1668 November
II
1669 May
19
1669 June
22
1669 September
14
1670 6
3
1670 8
II
1670 II
13
1671 I
16
1671 9
16
1671 II
22
1671 II
22
1672 I
21
1672 5
17
1672 9
14
1672 9
21
1672 9*
29
1672 10
II
1673 II
24
1674 February
1676/7 2
18
1677 November
20
1678 February
4
1678
1679 5
3
1681 February
'5
1681/2 February
9
1683 September
20
1683
1684 June
6
1688
1690 March
29
1693 October
31
1695
1698 January
I
1698 July
21
1698 November
20
1698 October
31
1699 August
30
1700 January
2
1700 May
31
1700 December
17
Names.
John Prescott, Jr., and Sarah .
Job Whitcombe and Mary .
Reuben Luxford and Margaret .
Henry Maze and Ales .
Jonathan Prescott and Dorothy .
Thomas Sawyer, Jr., and Sarah .
Mordecai Mackload and Lidea Lewis.
John Whitcomb and Mary ,
Benjamin Bosworth and widow Beatrice Joslin.
Cyprian Steevens and Mary Willard.
John Houghton, Jr., and Mary Farrar.
Samuel Waters and Mary Hudson.
John Wilder and Hannah .
Jonas Prescott and Mary Loker.
Thomas Sawyer, Jr , and Hannah .
Abram Joscelyn and Ann .
Jeremiah Rogers, Jr., and Dorcas .
Nathaniel Wilder and Mary Sawyer.
Daniel Hudson, Jr., and Mary Maynard of Sudbury.
Henry Kerley and Elizabeth How at Charles town.
Ephraim Roper and widow Hannah Goble of
Concord.
James Sawyer and Mary Marble.
Joshua Sawyer and Sarah Potter, in Woburn.
George Hewes and widow Lydia Bennett, at Concord
Jonas Houghton and Mary Berbeane of Woburn.
John Hinds and widow Mary Butler.
John Pope and Beatrix Houghton.
Nathaniel Wilson and Thankful Beaman.
James Atherton and Abigail Hudson.
Jonathan Fairbank and Mary Hayward.
Philip Goss and Mary Prescott, in Concord.
Joseph Houghton and Jane Vose of MiJton.
William Divoll and Ruth Whitcomb.
John Moore and Hazadiah Fairbank, in Concord.
Henry Willard and Abigail Temple, in Concord.
John Houghton, Jr., and widow Mary Goss, in Con-
cord.
John Willard and Mary Hayward, in Concord.
Philip Goss and Judith Hayward, in Concord.
Henry Houghton and Abigail Barron, in Watertown.
David Whitcomb and Mary Fairbank.
George Glazier and Sarah Barrett, in Chelmsford.
21
_=■•.:_ T-^
>.<*
:.M \- i'
\f
^
r
r
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725-
323
A. D.
1665
1666
1667 June
1667 October
1668 January
1668 November
1668 December
1668
1669
1669
1669
1670
1670
1670
1670
1671
1671
1671
1671
1671
1672
1672
1672
1673
1673
1674
Mooth. Day.
9 12 Josiah Whitcomb, son of Josiah and Rebecca, aged
one day.
5 17 Deborah Sawyer, daughter of Thomas and Mary,
an infant.
8 Nathaniel Joslin, son of Nathaniel and Sarah.
23 Thomas Wilder, Senior.
— Stephen Day, a first proprietor, at Cambridge,
[Inventory y an nary 27.]
3 John Farrar, son of Jacob, Senior.
19 Hannah Whetcomb, daughter of Jonathan and
Hannah.
— Philip Knight, at Salem.
3 Lsabell Walker.
15 Simon Courser, son of Archelaus and Rachel.
16 John Smith.
14 William Kerley, Senior.
17 A child of William and Elizabeth Lincorne.
— Adam Waters,at Charlestown. {Inventory 23, ^mo.'\
4 Mary Atherton, daughter of James and Hannah.
10 Ann Moore, wife of John.
2 A child of Jonathan and Dorothy Prescott.
4 Jonathan Prescott, son of Jonathan and Dorothy.
17 Frances Whitcomb. widow of John, Senior.
3 William Lewis.
2 Sarah Sawyer, wife of Thomas, Junior.
14 William Bennett, son of George and Lydia.
26 Benjamin Adams, son of George.
— John White. \}Vill proveH May 2yi.'\
8 2 John Farrar, son of John and Mary.
— — Dorothy Prescott. wife of Jonathan.
April
June
July
July
July
September
9
I
3
3
3
10
I
I
8
April
The Massacre of August 22. 1675.
George Bennett.
William Flagg.
Jacob Farrar, Junior.
Mordecai MacLoud.
Lydia MacLoud, wife of Mordecai.
Hannah MacLoud, aged about three years, daughter of Mordecai.
An infant child of Mordecai and Hannah MacLoud.
Joseph Wheeler.
J
AXXALS OF LANCASTER.
r<,- .!.'_-^
j^'
F.rr^.-:> 10.
1676.
1
J.ro.
Fa:^^aT■
<.
U^V.i.
^ F^rtu
-.k. sor.
J or
as.
Jilfd nftrtn >-<ai«.
r:;>-
r.; Who
E-hr
■::: Ssw
iT, Si'«n i"
T?^
■>T1.V
. «:ss; ;wen:>
live years.
Hi-r
F.i.~ir
*ono- I
ift-b
Sc
'.■-hi
iiiii.
k::.-^
ie:h Ril
. wire <>i
oh:i
A=:r
ir. cr:"
-. .M- K.hn
.inJ
e::
jbe:h Ball.
E::*-U
~. .K-«hr.
n:vo;!.
.L-«*:=
Piv.v;.. .
i..S«>l'
«-p:i-<
• di
(^i :a «-.';ivi:>
J.:>*-
:>iv.-.::
*on .^i j.
Sn.
n::*^
Mies »«rj.
Hs=r
;!i Piv
n. diH^h
ei
:.:
h-.. .i^ea aly
jt nine
j-eara.
died in
Abrahim Jo*!;a. Jr., agie.'. ;we:i;v-si\ \-ears.
Ana Jos;n. wlw 01 AVr»!ij:n, klllis: is ci;>:!v!:y.
B^'atrice. diafjh-.ei 01 .Abraha-.i i::.i Ar.n J.isiin. aged two years, killed
= cajijivity.
l>aDieU:aiTt{t.
Thima,* K>-i»l.i:nis.iTi, ai;ie.? r.;ne:e*s >ears, ne;.'hew ot Reierend Joseph.
U-<hTx Ke'.',\i. a^oii ,i'.v.:: ih:-;i-w\en.
t"L-.V:v:;i Kei>%. * fV ,v ,.\i;"..-,rv. rU^.r^.
Htr.Tv Reiitjv * -""i '" I'.i.':.;:^. !:i::rj. a^c; «i;hteen vMi*.
\V:'!ia:rT Kciti. »,':i .»i i".i-.-:.;--. Hcr.ii. .i.;;.: sevi-nieen years.
owp'i Kc::o.. >.>!!.-: ^-.i;-:.!.;; Mi-rv^ i-e.^eieo lears."
r:isii".i K,-iv;. Hi;;- 01 K;-hT-.ii:v
:>;s^ "1 K.-;v!. .;.i;:-h:o! 01 i; h-Ml^'. A^e.^ jS-u: :hrte years.
Sir.ih Ko«i.ir..'.>,--.. .:.v.:c:'.:i-: of Kovtn:v: 1 >-i:-.>h. died of wound.
.i'.is I ska:: ^ ';;■.:?.. safT.i^iore 01 Nashaway
v.\ .iti.is or.i'-tie.' I.'ha. Ni'.^r.ei S.ichem a
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
325
A. D. Month.
1677 August
1677 November
1^8 I
1678 I
1678 I
1678 I
1678 4
1678 7
1678 November
1679- —
1679 —
1679 October
1679 October lo
1680 February
1 68 1 March
Day.
14 Jacob Farrar, Senior, at Woburn.
4 Mary Hudson, wife of Daniel, at Concord.
6 Abigail Rogers, daughter of Jeremiah, at Dorchester.
10 Bathsheba Rogers, daughter of Jeremiah, at Dor-
chester.
10 Abiah Rogers, widow of Jeremiah, at Dorchester.
23 Gamaliel Beaman, Senior, at Dorchester.
20 Samuel Rugg, son of John and Hannah, at Concord.
Benjamin Allen, at Charlestown.
Reverend Joseph Rowlandson,at Wethersfield,Conn
Nathaniel Wilder, child of Nathaniel and Mary, in
Sudbury.
Archelaus Courser, in Boston.
Hannah Houghton, daughter of Ralph, at Charles-
town, aged twelve years.
John Houghton, son of Ralph, at Charlestown,
aged twenty years.
6 Ann Waters, wife of Lawrence, at Charlestown.
19 James Butler, at Billerica.
20
23
8
1 68 1 December
1682 February
1683 April
1684 January
1684 April
1687 December
1688 September
1688 October
1691 February
1 69 1 March
After Re-settlenunt of Town.
— John Prescott, \the Fomider of Lancaster y'\ aged
about seventy-seven years.
— William Whittborn. {Inventory February 23.]
7 John Whitcomb, drowned.
4 William Kerley, Jr., at Marlborough.
29 John Houghton, Senior.
9 Lawrence Waters, at Charlestown.
I John Bush.
— John Glazier, Senior. {Inventory October 29.]
— Jonathan Whitcomb. [Inventory February 25.]
— Samuel Wheeler, a soldier, son of Richard. [In-
ventory April 7.]
The Massacre of July 18, 1692.
Sarah Joslin, wife of Peter.
Peter Joslin, Jr., aged six years. [Killed in captivity. '\
Three children of Peter Joslin.
Hannah Whitcomb, widow of Jonathan.
1693 October
Reverend Samuel Carter, in Groton. [Adminis-
tration granted October 30.J
.-I*- J
LA.\C.\STExR.
\
%
^ ■ \. L*^ . v'4k ■ I ■ I
: ^ ■^■■■•. ;i W.ULTtuwii.
■ ■'. ':\^!. II ;<jxbury, [/«: i ■•..*-''■;• -•/l:;.' -Vj
■: ".. ■• A ■•l'J'Cf. \:Ilod by ladiazi. 'Jn-.CKtjry
'■ . -. "i^\t 1. '
^; V ..i">, :: J.iinbriiige.
.. V. •"..: vx. \\\\\ v:iiiliirt:a \yi Revcrcic joha
V 'v.!!'-^. i:;tu WW} vears, ten monUis.
■ .* ■•.'. "/t't/ 1 1. 1697.
'iv'. ::;oi' ')ii!\-^!ieven years.
..!■«. ■. ::;i-M jt'v years.
■:;.■.;■". :i;ti: ourtucn years.
■*». ..' .:. :t :..!•*.
* .. '»,■■... . I:' ii
•.'.:. ■.' ,'«■/. .: .^/.:; Jti ]
•:. • ■• -'i '/ . '■•.••■ 23.]
V •:.'..• •.;,• ■ \'- S ,-:. .'f r: tit
■ I
'^ it,'».« ; I.-; ; . iniiians.
■ ■ ■ ■■.-■■ -. -.1 N.
: ".'i ui'i. :^^•■ .••.■^■* .->-\%ears.
^ '•..: ".s.'t.u-" 11'://
APPENDIX.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT.
To the several members of the Committee of Publication
— especially to the Reverend George M. Bartol, chairman,
— and to the Honorable Samuel A. Green, the thanks of
the editor, due for valuable suggestions and assistance, are
hereby cordially tendered. Various courtesies received
from the accomplished custodians of the Massachusetts
Archives, the Massachusetts State Library, the Boston
Public Library, and the Libraries of the Boston Athena;um,
the Massachusetts Historical Society, and the New Eng-
land Historic Genealogical Society, are gratefully acknowl-
edged.
THE FIRST INNKEEPERS OF LANCASTER.
There is no evidence that any house here, previous to
the destruction of the town in 1676, was devoted to the
accommodation of travellers, or the sale of drink. When-
ever Reverend John Eliot, Genera! Daniel Gookin, and
other gentlemen of the Bay towns, were called hither by
official duty or private business, they doubtless found all
doors hospitably open to them. Humbler travellers were
but few, and those chiefly visidng friends and relatives.
The licensed fur traders kept a small variety of goods suit-
able for bartt;r with the native hunters, including spirituous
liquors, and at first naturally monopolized all trade in such
articles. Thus the list of debtors in the inventory of
Thomas King's estate, besides "the Indyans," includes
:r=_ S* JE act of itisi. nit
r ■** ^ >i:" me smaller tpwria^
^r « nzr a>iin5 annnaL^ . m
sivvrc's selectman ic
roE Middlesex C nir:
of Mardi irar
* that NartiaTa*?
: of y Sdccnwr a:
gggning Oraxar^ n.
-d? T"-' "wETW Toam drz
¥":iar of V Tomit IC
- I ^ann{: to obsaiL s.
- iii: Townc of lat-
■r a said Town iar
in case tp"
.-— 1 «. z^ :.:nssellt tr r
...=-.> ,
-\ •-• m.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725, 329
Nathaniel Wilder was the first licensed " for Retailing of
wine, Beere, Ale, Cyder, Rum &c" in Lancaster. His
home was a garrisoned house on the southeast slope of
George Hill, in close proximity to the site of the Symonds
& King trucking house — a fact perhaps suggestive, as
tending to show that the chief line of travel had not mate-
rially changed during forty years, and that the centre of
population in Lancaster was yet west of the rivers. He
remained the sole innholder until his death in 1704, and
his widow Mary [Sawyer] , granddaughter of John Pres-
cott, continued the business.
July 10 1705 Widow Mary Wilder Admitted to renew her License as
Inholder for y^ Town of Lancaster here Recognized as y^ Law demands
Simon Willard of Lancaster Licensed to be an Inholder in sd Town
having entered into Recognizance persuant to Law.
[Middlesex Court Records.]
List of Licensed Innholders and Retailers of Liquors, 1685-
1730, derived from the Records of the Middlesex Court
OP Sessions.
1685 to 1704. Nathaniel Wilder.
1705. Widow Mary Wilder, Benjamin Bellows and Simon Willard.
1706-7. Widow Mary Wilder.
1708. John Houghton, Jr.
1709-10. John Houghton, Sen.
1711. John Houghton and Benjamin Bellows.
1712-13. John Houghton.
1 7 14. John Houghton, and **John Fay living near Marlborough.'
1715. John Houghton.
1716. Hooker Osgood and John Houghton.
1717. John Houghton, Hooker Osgood, and John White.
1718-19. Jonathan Houghton, David Whitcomb, and Samuel Willard.
1720. Samuel Willard and David Whitcomb.
1 72 1 to '24. Samuel Willard aud Thomas Carter.
1725. Thomas Carter.
1726. Samuel Willard, Thomas Carter, and Oliver Wilder.
1727 to '29. Samuel Willard, Thomas Carter, John Wright, and Oliver
Wilder.
1730. Capt. Samuel Willard, Jonathan Houghton, Thomas Car-
ter, John Wright, and Oliver Wilder.
L^l»a»A "^ ■ '-
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 331
Hooker Osgood^ a saddler from Andover, bought the
Rowlandson lands west of the river, Nov. 22, 1710, of
Philip Goss, and in 17 14 purchased the lot whereon Law-
rence Waters had his home, now the homestead of S. J. S.
Vose.
Captain John White was the noted Indian-fighter, asso-
ciated with Captain Love well. He lived ypon the east side
of the neck.
David WhitcomVs lands were in the southeastern part of
Bolton.
Captain Sajnuel Willard in 1627 purchased the lands
bordering the highway from the Sprague bridge to the
Penecook wading place, in all seventy-six acres, including
the Major Simon Willard home lot, the Edward Breck lot,
and the Night Pasture. The Willard mansion near the
railroad crossing is supposed to have been built by him.
Thomas Carter lived upon George Hill, his father,
Samuel, having in 1688 purchased the Kerley lands, now
in possession of F. D. Taylor and H. B. Stratton.
Colonel Oliver Wilder bought of his brother Nathaniel,
in 1722, the Roper lot, and probably lived near, if not in,
the present house on the hill just above the George Hill
school-house.
The complaint in Justice Houghton's letter of the small
local demand for strong drink must not be taken as a
measure of the bibulous propensities of our ancestors.
The frequent mention of beer and malt vessels in early in-
ventories, and of orchards in wills, indicate that the home
manufacture and consumption of fermented beverages was
considerable. It may be reasonable to conclude from the
above letter, that in olden time as now, the apple crop
usually failed in the "odd years." The orchards of Lan-
caster were very early famous, and cider became a product
of commercial importance. When in 1734 Captain Jonas
Houghton, the Lancaster surveyor, was employed by the
proprietors of Nichewaug to reconstruct the road from
332 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
Lancaster along the north side of Wachusett, the contract
test for acceptance of this highway was that it should be
"so feasible .... as to carry comfortably, with four oxen,
four barrels of cider at once."
In an old memorandum book of Judge Joseph Wilder's
is "an acompt of Cyder made in the y® 1728," for his
neighbors : ,
Barrek
for the Reuerend Mr John Prentice 61
Capt. Samuel Willard I2>^
»»
*»
»»
»»
f »
»»
f »
»»
t»
»*
t»
ft
»•
»»
»t
»»
»»
»»
y
Benjamin Wilson 52
Thomas Wilder 22 >^
Jos Wilder 17
William Divol 5
John Divol 15
Jonas Houghton 6
Jos Wheelock 21
Joshua Houghton 63
Ebenz Wilder 47)4
James Houghton 5
Chas Sawyer 9)^
Richard Wild 9
Jonathan Houghton 16
Ebenezer Prescot 31
Daniel Rugg 2ofh
James Wilder 39
William Houghton 113
William Sawyer 23
James Butler 17^0
Wedow Rugg 7>o
Phillip Larkin 2>^
616
THE REPRESENTATIVES OF LANCASTER.
Under the colonial charter, towns might legally choose
a non-resident to serve them as deputy, and Lancaster did
this in 1671 and 1672, electing Mr. Thomas Brattle, who at
that date was one of the selectmen of Boston. Towns
having not more than thirty freemen were privileged to
be represented in general court or not, as they chose, and
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1:^5- : ; 5
as each was required to pay the charges of its own depu-
ties, the weaker settlements commonly sent no delegates,
unless some local exigency made it necessary. In attempt-
ing to complete an accurate list of representatives* a curi-
ous difficult}' is verj' early met with. In sixteen years*
between 1689 and 1725, the name John Houghton .appears
recorded in the manuscript records of the general court as
deputy from Lancaster. In two only of these (1721 and
1724) is a distinguishing title, "Esq.T added. The credit
of this long service has heretofore been given, without ques-
tion, solely to Justice Houghton. There are for this period
the minutes of only two of the tow-n's representative elec-
tions; those of May, 1718, and May, 1724. These, how-
ever, are enough to prove that Lieutenant John Houghton
is entitled to receive some part of the honor attributed to
his father, Justice John Houghton. The representative
elected in 17 19 was "John Houghton Jr,** and it might with
some reason be inferred that the delegate of same name in
1715, 1716, 1717 and 1719 was the same person, though
diligent search has not been rewarded with any clue to aid
decision. Instances of the elected refusing to accept the
office were not rare during the first half of the eighteentli
century, and it was quite usual for the town to advance
twenty pounds to enable their deputy to meet the require-
ments of his official dignity, until his stipend from the
Commonwealth should become due.
The dates given arc those of the election, which was in the month of May until
1831, since when it has been in November. In the years not given the town wsls not
represented.
1690 John Moore, Sen.
[Febrttary session . ]
John Houghton.
\pecember session.^
1 67 1 Thomas Brattle, of Boston.
1672 Thomas Brattle, of Boston.
1673 Ralph Houghton.
1689 Ralph Houghton.
[Courts of May 8 and 22.] \ 1692 John Moore, Sen
John Moore, Jr. John Houghton.
[yiote 5 and Noi.1. 5.] ' 1693 John Houghton.
John Moore, Sen. | 1697 John Houghton.
[December session,'] i 1705 John Houghton
^
^^^ ■
— V H-I--
^— ■^■""
^■" ^ ^
jt:- m .^'K:.':
^----
V Il'Ti
.1^ . .'. L^
Ji-- £^-r-f.
\ •--
:: ?.'r:.Lr:*
V" _^-
"-
x'".:^
"-
Vljnrr
"-
-_ ^ • . > « «>ra*
.'i^ ITT./^
■ ^^^^ ^fc ■ ^^ ■ *»^t u * ^^ •
VI:;:
*. i'
— A —
• '•y
f'/.;r '' i ■.';:':. V,';!l:;im kii.hare'>on.
(•/;' ' ';;'^r.'-! .S;ir:tj':; Willard.
'■/'I J ' 'li'ifi' I Saifi;!':! Willard.
1/4; ' ;i;,Liiii Kphraim Wilder.
— • *■-.. . , ■^'^' ^^^
■ ~" • .* ^1 "'^ *.'..'.■■'*'?.
."":•; .'. -^1 "■'•"' ■ .'■; "" r
: — r As: 'A • :: —:
^ • • • -
— r A >/. -x ~ '. tr-; "" r .
— _: .T.S1 •\ ~ . :* .^ — ? .
— i Jj.;:ii- A>.i \Vh::comb.
Hr.-ex.ar- Litres.
r — ? Wi^Lir*. P.:r.>moor.
i; — \V-*!:i:r. L>ur.>moor.
r77> \V:*.;:.i::i Dunsmoor.
Sar.'.uel Thurston.
^rr9 Joseph Reed, Esquire.
I'ndcr the present constitution; the
representation l)eing based upon one hun-
;
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643 -1725.
335
dred and fifty ratable polls, and three hun-
dred and seventy ratable polls giving a
town two representatives.
1780 Captain William Putnam.
178 1 William Dunsmoor.
1782 John Sprague.
1783 John Sprague.
1784 John Sprague.
1785 John Sprague.
1786 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr.
1787 Michael Newhall.
1788 Michael Newhall.
1789 Michael Newhall.
1790 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr.
1 791 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr.
1792 Captain Ephraim Carter, Jr.
'793 John Whitinjr, Jr., Esquire.
1794 **Hon. John Sprague, E.sq."
'795 John Sprague.
1796 John Sprague.
1797 John Sprague.
1798 John Sprague.
'799 John Sprague.
1800 Samuel Ward.
{John Sprague having declined. '\
1 80 1 Samuel Ward.
1802 William Stedman.
1803 Jonathan Wilder.
1804 Jonathan Wilder.
1805 Jonathan Wilder.
1806 Jonathan Wilder, Esquire.
Eli Stearns.
[Elected unanimoMsly.']
1807 Eli Stearns.
1808 Kli Stearns.
[Elected unanimously .'\
Jonas Lane, Esquire. do.
1809 Eli Stearns. do.
Jonas Lane, Esquire. do.
1 8 10 Eli Stearns.
Colonel Jonas Lane.
181 1 Colonel Jonas Lane.
Major Jacob Fisher.
1812 Colonel Jonas I^ne.
18 1 2 Major Jacob Fi.sher.
18 13 Jacob Fisher, Esquire.
Captain William Cleveland.
18 1 4 Captain William Cleveland.
Captain John Thurston.
[Elected unanimously .'\
18 1 5 Captain William Cleveland.
[Elected unaiiimously .'\
Captain John Thurston.
[EU'-ted unanimously.']
18 16 Captain John Thurston.
Captain Edward Goodwin.
1817 Captain John Thurston.
Captain lienjamin Wyman.
18 18 Captain John ^hurston.
[Elected and declined,]
Captain Benjamin Wyman.
Major Solomon Carter.
1 8 19 Benjamin Wyman, E.squire.
1 82 1 Jacob Fisher, Esquire.
1823 Jacob Fisher, Esquire.
1826 Captain John Thurston.
1827 Joseph Willard, Esquire.
Davis Whitman, Escjuire.
1828 Joseph Willard, Esquire.
( Elected unanimously . )
1829 Solon Whiting, Esquire.
1830 Solon Whiting, Esquire.
Constitutional Amendment X ratified,
changing l>«ginning of political year from
last Wednesday in May to first Wednes-
day of January, and the elections to No-
vember.
183 1 Davis Whitman, Esquire.
1832 John G. Thurston.
[ Elected unanimously . ]
Ferdinand Andrews.
1833 Doctor George Baker.
Levi Lewis.
1834 Anthony Lane.
[Elected and declined.]
James G. Carter.
Deacon Joel Wilder.
1835 James G. Carter.
336
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
1835 Deacon Joel Wilder.
1836 James G. Carter,
\_Elecied unanimously.']
dred ratable polls.
1837 Silas Thurston, Jr.
18^ Silas Thurston, Jr.
John G. Thurston.
1839 Silas Thurston, Jr.
John Thurston.
Constilurional Amendment XIII adopt-
ed. Representation based upon twelve
hutidred Inhabitants.
1840 John Thurston.
1841 Jacob Fisher, Jr.
1842 John M. Washburn.
1843 John M. Washburn.
1A44 Jacob Fisher.
1845 Joel Wilder, 2d.
1846 Joel Wilder, 2d.
1847 Ezra Siiwyer.
1848 Ezra Sawyer.
1850 Anthony Lane.
1851 Anthony Lane.
1852 John G. Thurston.
1853 John G. Thurston.
iSs4 Francis F. Hussey.
185; John G. Thurston.
1856 James Childs.
Const It uliona] Amendment XXI adopt-
ed, 1857, Lancaster and Clinton forming
8th Wonxster District.
1858 John M. Washburn.
i860 Dr. J. L. S. Thompson.
1862 Dr. J. L. S. Thompson.
1 868 Jacob Fisher. .
1869 George A. Parker.
1870 Geot^e A. Parker.
1871 George A. Parker.
The sth Worcester Di!
cilli two representatives.
1878 Samuel R. Damon.
1882 Henry S. Nourse.
DELEGATES.
To the Praviruial Cnngreufs of 1774 and 1775 : — William Dunshoor,
Asa Whitcomh.
To the Cottvenlion that formed the State Constitution at Cambridge,
September, 1779:— William Dunsmoor, Ephraim Wilder, William
Putnam.
To- the Convention that ratified the Constitution of the United Slates : —
John Spbague.
To the Convention for the Revision of the Stale Constitution in 1820: —
Davis Whitman, Major Jacob FisiiER.
SENATORS,
1786.
Francis B. Fay, 1868.
James G. Carter, 1837 to 1839.
John G. Thurston, 1845.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725. 33^
EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS.
Major Simon Willard, Assistant, 1654 to 1676.
Captain Ephraim Wilder, elected 1735, ^^^ declined.
Joseph Wilder, 1735 ^o ^75^*
William Stedman, 1803 and 1807.
Abijah Willard was appointed Councillor by writ of Mandamus,
1775-
REPRESENTATIVES TO CONGRESS.
William Stedman, 1803 to 18 10.
General John Whiting, as candidate of the Jeffersonian party, was Stedman's oppo-
nent. James G. Carter was an unsuccessful candidate in 1847.
Prentiss Mellen, born in Lancaster, 1764, was U. S. Senator 18 18
— 1820.
COUNTY OFFICERS.
SHERIFFS.
William Greenleaf, 1778 to 1788.
John Sprague, 1788 to 1792.
CLERK OF COUNTY COURTS.
William Stedman, 18 10 and 181 2 to 181 6.
COUNTY TREASURER.
Jonathan Houghton, 1731 to 1733.
ASSISTANT JUSTICES WORCESTER COURT OF SESSIONS.
John Whiting, March i, 1808 to April 20, 1809.
Timothy Whiting, November 14, 1811.
JUDGE OF PROBATE.
Joseph Wilder, 1739 ^o 1757.
JUDGES OF THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS.
Joseph Wilder, June 30, 1731 to March 29, 1757, Chief Justice.
Colonel Samuel Willard, January 27, 1743, to November, 1752.
Joseph Wilder, Jr., January 21, 1762, to 1773.
John Sprague, 1798 to 1800, Chief Justice.
22
338 ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE.
John Tinker was given special authority to marry. May 26, 1658.
Major Simon Willard, by virtue of his office as Assistant, per-
formed the various duties of a Magistrate, 1654- 1676.
John Houghton, called Justice before 1718, reappointed (?) 1729.
Joseph Wilder, Senior, 1727 and 1731.
Benjamin Willard, 1731. Dr. Josiah Wilder, 1788.
Colonel Samuel Willard, 1732. Dr. Israel Atherton, 1789.
Colonel James Wilder, 1737. Timothy Whiting, Jr., 1789.
Samuel Willard, Jr., 1743. William Stedman, 1790.
Colonel Oliver Wilder, 1744. Samuel Ward, 1799.
Colonel Joseph Wilder .Jr., 1 747 Josiah Flagg, 1803.
William Richardson, 1753. Benjamin Wyman, 1803.
Colonel John Whitcomb, 1754. Joseph Wales, 1806.
Colonel Joseph Reed, (?) Merrick Rice, 1808.
David Osgood, 1762. Moses Smith, Jr., 1809.
Colonel Abijah Willard, 1762. Paul Willard, 181 i.
Thomas Wilder, 1762. Major Jacob Fisher, 181 2.
Joshua Willard, 1762. Ebenezer Torrey, 18 14.
Abel Willard, 1769. Edward Goodwin, 18 16.
Levi Willard, 1772. John Stuart, 1821.
Samuel Wilder, 1772. Jonas Lane, 1822.
Ezra Houghton, 1774. Levi Lewis, 1823.
Dr. William Dunsmoor. — ? Joseph Willard, 1825.
John Sprague, 1783. William Willard, 1825.
Solon Whiting.
CORONERS.
Jamks Wilder, 1731. Joseph Wilder, Jr., 1744.
Oliver Wilder, 1738. David Wilder, 1747.
William Richardson, 1762.
THE CLERKS OF LANCASTER.
The first pages of Lincaster-s oldest records are by the hand of Master
John Tinker, who as scribe for the first prudential managers, copied some
earlier records from **the old book"; but by whom that lost volume was
kept is unknown.
Ralph Houghton, clerk of the writs 1656 to 1682.
Cyprian Steevens, clerk of the writs 1682 to i686(?).
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 339
John Houghton, (son ot first John,) 1686 to 1725, — \o years.
Jonathan Houghton, 1726 to 1728 and 1730 to 1736. — EHed in
office,
Joseph Osgood, 1729.
Judge Joseph Wilder, Sr., 1737 to 1743.
Joseph Wilder, Jr., 1744 to 1752.
Abijah Willard, 1753 and 1754.
Colonel Samuel Willard, 1755.
William Richardson, October 8, 1755, **''' room of Samuel Willard
absent on his majesties serviced
Levi Willard, 1756 to 1760 and 1761 to 1769.
Abel Willard. J760, *' in place of Levi Willard going out of town V
Daniel Robbins, 1770, 1772, 1773, 1775 and 1776.
Captain Samuel Ward. 1771, 1774 and 1782 to 1787.
Colonel William Greenleaf, 1777, 1779, 1781.
Nathaniel Beam an, September, 1777 to May 1778.
Cyrus Fairbank, May, 1778.
Dr. JosiAii Leavitt, 1780 to May, 1781.
Colonel Edmund Heard, 1788 to 1790.
Joseph Wales, 1791 to 1794.
William Stedman, 1795 to 1800.
JosiAH FLAtiG, 1 80 1 to 1835, except 1828, — ^/^ years.
Major Jacob Fisher, 1828.
Joseph W. Huntington. 1836 and 1837.
John G. Thurston, 1838 to 1853.
Matthew F.Woods, 1853. Died in office.
Francis Y. Hussey, 1853 to 1855.
William A. Kilbourn, 1874.
Dr. J. L. S. Thompson, 1856 to present time, except 1874.
PROPRIETARY CLERKS.
Ralph Houghton and John Houghton, probably to 17 16.
Joseph Wilder, 17 16 to 1757. Died in office.
Caleb Wilder, 1757 to 1776. Died in office.
Luke Wilder, 1777 to 1779. Died in office.
Josiah Wilder, 1780 to 1788. Died in office.
Deacon Cyrus Fairbank, 1788 to 1800. Died in office.
Benjamin Wyman, 1801 to 1826. Died in office.
Major Jacob Fisher, 1832. Died in office.
Solon Whiting.
340
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
THE MINISTERS OF LANCASTER.
FIRST CHURCH.
Natieaniel NoRcnoss, son of Jeremiah of Watertown ; born in Eng-
land; gradu.iie of Cainbridge University, 1637 ; chosen minister of the
Nnshaway Plantation. 1644, but returned to England, 1646.
Joseph Rowlasdson, son of Thomas of Ipswich; born in England,
1631 or 1633; graduate of Har\-ard College, 1652; began preaihing in
Lancaster, 1654; ordained, 1660. April, 1677 he was settled as colleague
of Reverend Gershom Quikulcy at WethersfieiJ, Ct., and Ihere died, j
November 24. 167B.
ed Ihe "
Samuel Cakteh, eldest son of Reverend Thomas Carter of Wobum;
born August S, 1640; graduate of Harvard College, 1660'; bought land
and resided on George Hill. 16SS or earlier, and supplied the Lancaster
pulpit temporarily between 16S0 and 16S8. He removed to Groton, and ^
died there, 1693.
Edward Oakes, son of Urian, graduate of Harvard College, 1679,
preached temporarily in Lancaster; afterwards in New London, Ct.
John Denison, sod of John of Ipswich, graduated at Harvard Cot- ,
lege, 16S4, occupied the Lancaster pulpit for a time. He was settled as
colleague with Rev. William Hubbard at Ipswich, and died 16S9.
William WooDROr. a non-conforming clergyman driven from hia
churcli in England, 1662. preached in Lancaster, and Cotton Mather
ivcorded him In the Magnalia as minister here. He relumed to En^aod 1
July 12. 16S7.
The flisi meciing-liouse was " buincd hy ilie
umn ID 1676. Tlic scaind wiu tiuitl upon the :
JOMM Whiting, son of Reverend Samuel of Billerica, bom \(Aw
graduate nf Har\-ard College, 1635 ; began preaching in Lancaster Febra- J
ary, t6SS; was ordained December 3, 1690, and slain by Indians. Sep- \
lember 11, 1697.
Mr. Jones was invited to settle in Lancaster, but some obstacle an
lo prevent ordination. This was probably John, son of William Joi
of New Ha\-en. born October 4, 1667 ; graduate of Harvard Colt^e, 1690;
drowned January 28. 1719. In New Haven harbor.
John Robinson, son of Samuel of Dorchester, graduate of Harranl I
College, 1695. for a time filled the Lancaster pulpit. He was settled at ^
Duxbur>'. 1702. and died. 1745.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643-1725.
341
Samuel Whitman, graduate of Harvard College, 1696, preached here
a while ; was afterwards teacher and minister at Salem, and died, 1751.
Andrew Gardner, son of Captain Andrew, born in lirookline, 1674;
graduate of Harvard College, 1696; began preaching in Lancaster May,
1701, and was soon to be ordained when accidentally killed by Samuel
Prescott. October 26, 1704.
July 31, 1704, the second meeting-house was burned in an assault by the French
and Indians. The third was built on the Old Common, opposite the burial ground'
1706.
John Prentice, son of Thomas, born at Newton, 1682; graduated at
Harvard College, 1700; began preaching at Lancaster, 1705 ; was ordained
March 29, 1708, and died January 6, 1748.
In 1743-3 two meeting-houses were built; that of the first precinct on School-
house Hill, nearly in front of the residence of Solon Wilder ; that of the second, or
Woonksechocksett precinct, "near Ridge Hill."
Cotton Brown, son of Reverend John of Haverhill, graduate of
Harvard College, 1743, was invited to settle in Lancaster February 28,
1748, but became pastor of the Brookline church October 6. 1748, and
died April 13, 175 1.
Benjamin Stevens, son of Reverend Joseph of Charlestown, born
1720, graduate of Harvard College, 1740, preached here as a candidate.
He settled at Kittery; became S. T. D., 1785; died May 18, 1791.
William Lawrence, graduate of Harvard College, 1743, was also a
candidate for the Lancaster pulpit. He died, 1780.
Stephen Frost, graduate of Harvard College, 1739, was master of
the Lancaster Grammar School, 1740-1744, and preached temporarily,
but was never ordained ; died, 1749.
Timothy Harrington, born in Waltham, February 10, 1716; graduate
of Harvard College, 1737; pastor in Swansey, N. H.; was installed at
Lancaster November 6, 1748; died December 18, 1795.
Alden Bradford, born in Duxbury, 1765, graduate of Harvard Col-
lege, 1786, temporarily supplied the pulpit in 1791 ; settled at Wiscasset,
Me. LL. D., 1837; S. H. S. ; secretary of state, 1812-1824, etc,;
died, 1843.
Thaddeus Mason Harris, son of William, born at Charlestown, July
7, 1768, resident of Chocksett during the Revolution, graduate of Harvard
College, 1787, supplied the pulpit for some time, 1791-2. S. T. D., A.
A. S., etc.; died, 1842.
Daniel Clark Sanders, graduate of Harvard College, 1788, preached
as a candidate. S. T. D.. 1809; President of Burlington College;
died, 1850.
■*>'rfVAS^l >
i. fc, i' ■ '
-y: r*-*.
«m ifc
342
ANNALS OF LANCASTER,
JnsEi'ii Davis, son of Simon of Concord; born, 1720; uradunte of
Harvard College, 1740: pastor in Holden, 1744-1774, preaciic-d tem|>or-
arily in Lancaster. He died March 4, 1799.
Nathaniel Thayer, son of Reverend Ebtntzer, born in Hampton,
N. H., July II, 1769, graduate of Harvard College, 17K9, was ordained
<»>1league pastor in Lancaster, October 9, 1793; S. T. D., 1817; died
June 33, 184a.
ului(IJuly9. tSt'i.amI lln- biiil.linR di-<li-
Edmund Hamilton Seaks, l>orn in 5;indi.stic1d April 6, iBio. gradu-
ate of Union College. 1834, of Harvard Divinity School, 1837. [ustor in
Wayland, 1837-401 was insLilled at Lincaster, Dt.-(-i:mhi:r 23, 1840, and
resigned Iwcausc of ill health, April, 1847; S. T. D., 1K71, S. M. S.;
died at Weston, January 16, lS7r).
George Mukillo ISarthi., born in Frue]Jort, Maini.*. Si'ptembtr 18,
iSao; graduate of Brown University, [842, and of Harvard Divinity
School, 1845; was ordained August 4, 1847.
SECOND PRECINCT CMl'RCH.
The fitM H-rvicr in Ihc mveliiiK-iiousi- M CIii><-k<"il mis iit-Iil NuvchiIht ad. 1743.
Therp hud Iwn "ni'JfililiiirliiiiHl iiuftinKs"!>on'r.il yi-jt-. iiu-lirT. R.-vc-ri-nil J"liii I'lrn-
Ucc reuinis a lKi|iiism lliwri!. i.Uy, I73K. tw Rcvi-n-mi Ji.li »;n-;liiiiM "f SliL^islmry, ii«
having "di.ini^nl willi Mr, llrnnn." TMs Aiis ]ir<iUiiil_v In-i.ili ISronii, i;r.i<limic i>f
Harvard Colli^jv, 1736, UMJii-in-liiw of Mr. Pirmiii,- - !i- ..]"m. «,ii Mi. Ciisliint;.
John Mkllf.n, bom in Hopkinton, Mnrcli 14, 172;, gnuhi.ite of Har-
vard College, 1741, was pastor fr<mi Di'tcmber ly, 1744, 10 Decemlit-r 14,
1778. February [i, 17S4, he was inslalk-d at Hanover. Mass., and <licd
in Reading, July 4. 1807.
Reuben Hoi.oimbe. gr.iduate of Vale College. [774. was ordained
June z, 1779. continued p.islor in Sterling until i8[5. and died. iKzri.
FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHIKCH.
Or,.--',-'' ■Ifnl 3. ISJS.
Rl'FiTS S. 1 'Of B. born in Stimghton. A]>ril 2. i.Soij: sludicd Ih.-ology
with Sjlvanus Cobb. D. D.. iSjj; settled in .Milliml. Slerlini; and Hyan-
nis, dyinc at the place last named, June 5, iM8.^; preaelii:!.! in L-inca.sicr
as occasion offered, 1838.
James S. I'almeh, born in Hro.iklyn. Pennsylvania. January 34. 1815.
preached six months, beginning May, 1839 ; now of Manstield. Penn,
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 343
Lucius Robinson Paige, born in Hard wick, March 8, 1802, supplied
the pulpit during 1840, meetings being held in the Academy and town
hall. S. T. D., 1861. Author of a Commentary on the New Testa-
ment, etc., etc.
John Harriman, preached in Lancaster, 1 841-3.
Benjamin Whittemore, born in Lancaster, May 3, 1801, son of
Nathaniel; educated at Lancaster and Lawrence Academies; studied
theology with Hosea Ballou. He was pastor here, 1843 to 1854; S. T.
D., 1867; died April 26, 1881, in Boston.
A meeting-house was built in South Lancaster, and dedicated April 26, 1848.
Services were discontinued, 1855, and the meeting-house vyas sold to the state for
the Girls' Industrial School, 1858.
FIRST EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
This society was organized February 22, 1839, at the house of Reverend Asa Pack-
ard. The meeting-house was dedicated December i, 1841 ; enlarged, 1868.
Charles Packard, son of Reverend Hezekiah ; born at Chelmsford,
April 12, 1801 ; graduated at Bowdoin College, 1817; ordained at Lan-
caster, January i, 1840; resigned to accept pastorate of Second Congre-
gational church in Cambridgeport, 1854; died at Biddeford, Maine,
February 17, 1864.
Franklin Bradley Doe, born in Highgate, Vermont, December 5,
1827 ; graduate of Amherst College, 1851, and of the Bangor Theological
Seminary, 1854; ordained in Lancaster, October 19, 1854; resigned to
accept pastorate in Appleton, Wisconsin, September 24, 1858. Superin-
tendent of the American Home Missionary Society for the Southwest.
John Edwards Todd, graduate of Yale, 1855, was invited to become
pastor over the church, May 3, 1859, ^"^ declined. Pastor of Church of
the Redeemer, New Haven, and D. D.
Sylvanus Cobb Kendall, graduate of Amherst College, 1849, ^^^
of Andover Theological Seminary, 1852 ; was invited to settle, December
13, 1859, ^^^ declined.
Amos Edward Lawrence, born at Geneseo, N. Y., June 25, 1812;
graduated at Yale College, 1840, and the New York Union Theological
Seminary, 1843; installed at Lancaster, October 10, i860; resigned,
March 6, 1864.
George Roswell Leavitt, born in Lowell, June 7, 1838; graduated
at Williams College, i860, and at Andover Theological Seminary, 1863;
ordained in Lancaster, March 29, 1865 ; resigned in 1870 to accept pastor-
ate of Stearns Chapel in Cambridgeport.
L . ^
344
ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
Abijam Perkjns Marvin, born in Lyme, Ct.. February i. 1813; grad-
uated at Trinity College m 1S39. and Yale Tiieological Seminary, 1S4Z;
pastor at Winchendon, 1S44-1S66. In 1S70 began preaching at Lan-
caster; installed May t, 1872; asked dismission September 12. 1875.
Henrv Clinton Fav, graduate of Amherst College, 1854,
rily supulted the pulpit, i$y6.
Marcus Ames
lempora-
cting pastor or
Wii-LiAM DeLoss Love, Jb. born
1851; graduated at Hamilton College,
Seminary, 1878; ordained at Lancaste
Dakius Augustine Newton, bom October 1, 1855, at Westborough ;
graduate of Amherst College, 1879, and of Andover Theological Semia-
ary, 1882; ordained September 21, 1S82.
year, tteginning April, 1877.
I New Haven, Cl., November 29.
873, and at Andover Theological
September iS, 1878; asked dis-
SECOND EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
Joseph Myros Rensselaer Eaton, born October 14, 1814. in Fitch-
burg; graduated at Amherst College, 1841, and at Andover Theological
Seminary. 1844; ordained January 9, 1845; dismissed April 11. 1847.
W. H. Corning, ordained December 8, 1847; dismissed October
. FIRST BAPTIST SOCIETY.
This church »a^ orgBniicd in 1S47. la thai pan Of Lancaster which beciine Clin-
lon. A. D. 1850.
Charles Manning Bowers, born in Boston, January 10. 1814;
graduated at Brown University. 1838, and Newton Theological School,
1840. D. D., 1871. Pastor of church from its organization.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
The Chapel was consecialed July 13, 1873.
Father Richard J. Patterson, born in Ireland. 1836 graduated at
the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, 1863, and Grand Seminary,
Uoatreal; ordained priest December 23. 1866.
MASSACHUSETTS. 1643- 1725. 345
- * ■ _ _ ■ — .
NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH.
This Society was formally organized January 29, 1876. Neighborhood meetings
were held, however, as early as 1830, and, with several mtervals of discontinuance,
until the organization. From 1865 the Sunday meetings were in an ante-room of the
town hall, and at certain seasons the pulpit was supplied by one of the three following
clergymen :
James Reed, pastor of the Boston Society ; born in Boston, June 8,
1834; graduate of Harvard College, 1855.
Abiel Silver, pastor of Boston Highlands society; born in Hopkin-
ton, New Hampshire, April 3, 1795; accidentally drowned in Boston,
March 27, 1881.
Joseph Pettee, presiding minister of the Massachusetts Association ;
born in Salisbury, Connecticut, March 14, 1809; graduate of Yale Col-
lege. 1833.
Richard Ward was called as pastor in April, 1880, and installed
December i, 1881 ; born in Sanbornton, — now Franklin, — New Hamp-
shire, May 8, 1819.
The chapel was built in z88i, and dedicated December i of that year.
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
Organized 1864.
Stephen Nelson Haskell, born in Oakham, Mass., April 22, 1834;
ordained Elder, August 1870.
DoREs Alonzo Robinson, born in Brighton, New Brunswick, Janu-
ary 5, 1848; ordained Elder, August 28, 1876.
The meeting-house was dedicated May 5, 1878.
POSTMASTERS.
The establishment of the first post-office in Lancaster dates from A pril
I, 1795. The second was granted March 3, 1853, and called South Lan-
caster, the post-office department objecting to New Boston, the old name
of the village. The following is an official list of the postmasters, with
their dates of appointment : —
Joseph Wales, April i, 1795.
Timothy Whiting, July 25, 1803.
Nathaniel Rand, March 14, 1825.
Joseph W. Huntington, December 19, 1832.
Nathaniel Rand, December 27, 1844.
Humphrey Barrett, September 5, 1849.
Nathaniel Rand, September 6, 1853.
aSt^^JAJ^^^^'^'A^- -■ ^- '- - ■ ^^-.t- ■ - ■ ■ \ ■■■^,. . ^.j:- -.
^
346 ANNALS OF LANCASTER.
S Christopher A. Rasd, August 3r, 1854.
Christoi-iier a. PoiXARi), Juljij, 1855.
Dakfortr L.\wrexce, December 24, ifi56.
HuMPHREV IJakrett, August 1. 1S61.
Solon Wilder, March 6, iiJ84.
SOUTH LANCASTER.
Wilder S. Thi'rsto.v, March 3, 1853.
Edward J. Grossman, September 19, 1853.
Stevens H. Turner, November 28, 1853.
Andrew J, Hancroft, Febniary?, 1857.
Carter Wiluer, December 31, 1861.
Aaron Wilder, September zz, 1863.
Daniel M. Howard. February 9. 1866.
Thomas E. Bi;rdett, April 14, 1873.
Louts J. HiTRDETT, January 18, 1875.
William G. Wilder, Decembers, 1875.
Henry F, Hosmer, March 7, 1881.
GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION OF LANCASTER.
The United States Coast and Geodetic Sur\'cy station nearest to
Lancaster is that upon Wachasell MnunLiin. ISy the Massachusetts
Trigonometrical Survey, the s|>irc of the llrick Church in Lancaster was
determined to be eleven and sixteen hundredths miles distant from that
station, and 2'..oo,gi" south, and 12'. .49,71" ea-st of it. From these
data the United States Co.ist Survey locates "Lancaster Church" in
42"., 27'. .19,98" north latitude, and 71".. 40'. .24,27" longitude west of
Greenwich.
The elevation above the sea level of the floor of the porch to the Brick
Church is three hundred and eight and one-lialf feci, as obtained by
extension of the levels of the Worcester and Nashua Railroad.
INDEX.
Accor
nodalions lo enco
- .'»7-
Act of IncorporaKon. 35.
Adagunnpeke, 375.
Adums. Francia. 186.
George, 83. laa, 177, 1B6. 375. ags,
lohn.'iTs, 94. 177, 178, 185.
Jonalhan, 140.
Addilional Grani, 8, 138, 174, 177, 179,
Admission of inhabilanls restiictud, 33,
38,41,53.60.
Allien, Daniel. 043.
Allen, Benjamin. 133, 398, 317, 335.
Danipl, 76. 398, 315, 316, 326.
Eliencmr, 398, 334.
Allotmenti of land. 33, 39, 33. 345.
Alluwanua in land, 44, 83. 17S, 179. 19a,
aos. aoft, itjS.
Allowance, Surrtyors'. 66, 193. 347.
Almanac, firsi American, 308.
Ames, JiMxit., 331, 339.
letliro, aag.
Reveti-nd Mareufi. 344.
Amniunllion, town's (iiliplv, 79.
AmoskcTg. .iMiaaiireg, Aamaiif, [i/an-
ch«M. N. //.] 16. 331, 339.
Andovpr. .iKiver, jittdai-or, 333. S43. 359,
300. 33"-
Andrews, Ferdinand, 335.
Androscog|:{in river, Amrr.vngx'iii, 336.
ApjKndii. 337.
Appk orchards. 55. 85. 360, 305, 331.
Aquilicus, [ohn, 139.
ArUtration. 38.
Arbitrators' awards, 43.
Area of original township, 66, see map, 8.
Armor, 384.
Aaialiuk hill, Asioalilici, ai8.
Assessments, manner of. 51.
Alhcnivum. Boston, 337.
Alherton. Adirtan. Ittnjaniin, 301,307,336.
339.3.'-
il Humphrey. 38. 353.
L.ocuir Isratl. iSa. 33B.
James. 30, 32. 39, 40, 41, 44, 46,
48. 61, 71, 143, 348. 150. 35J,
333, 353. 373. »74. 314. 3»5.
316. 317, 333, 333, 336.
Athcrlon, James. Jr., 143. i8a, 184,303, 307,
'53- 3M. 3>8. 331.
Joseph, i>7, 196, 197, 300, 303,
309.
Joshua. 143, >90, 353, 306. 314.
Simon, 140, 143.
Attack upon Ijancasier, 1675, 98.
1(176. 100.
1693, 130.
1704. 14ft.
Autographs of eariy smtltrs, fai.-similc, 34.
Aunsocitinug, Mary, 139.
Ayer, 371
TJ AK:r;R, Doctor Gcnrec 335-
^ IJ.1II, loJin. 10.;. 3Ba, 3i,.
toliou, Hosca. 343.
Uancroft. Andr.^w J., 346.
E)aplist church. 344.
Barbadoi^s, 378. 379.
tare hill, 71, 76, 14> i77. '8°. '82, 191.
195, 301, 203, 211, 353, 271. 3HB. 301.303,
306-
Ramus. John, 177.
Malihew. .5.
U.irrett, linsign Humphrey. tsB.
Humphrey. 345, 346,
Barron, llantri, Aliig.-ul, 331,
Timolhv, 344.
Bartholonii.-w, Henry. 31a
R-irtol, Ren-ri'nd (ieo^ie Mutillo, 4. 337,
liay Path or Road, 46, 71, 188, 301, 205,
Boyley, Failry. lliiily. Benjiimin, 177. 207,
Bear, 333, 1.1.
Ueasts, Wilrl. 31, 114. 233, 263.
^■". 153. 3^J- 33'-
Belcher, J.T.-mnd,. 237. 243.
JeriMnudi U., 243.
Bellows. li:niamin. m, 143, I.:;6. 184. Iflg,
210. 211, 2i«. 303, 3*j, 330,
D<:llo>ss K.illA. 232.
Heilo»^ Hull or Hole, 330.
Beman. Jlramau. llemaHd. F.lienuier, 178.
Cani.ilicl. 31, 71, 84. 90. 348, 357.
as8. 259. 304. 314. 3-'5-
-..">-■.;;.:.: =.- K. .1:1.53.
INDEX.
349
Burying Ground, Old Common, 164, 305,
341.
the old, 55. 183, 204. 273,
278, 279. 299, 300.
Bush, John, 248, 271, 303, 325.
Buss, John, 288, 289.
Butler, James, 72, 77, 79, 144, 182, 204, 248^
293, 301. 304, 325, 332.
Butterheld, Jonathan, 221.
By-Laws of Lancaster, 171.
/^ALEF, Robert, quoted, 307.
^^ Calicott, Richard, 117.
Cambridge, 12, 17, 18, 19,73, ^o^. i^Oi ^^i.
126,267, 268, 280, 281, 308, 310, 311,322,
323, 326, 340.
Canada expedition of Sir Wm. Phips, 127,
393-
Canoe, Cannoo, Brook, 184.
Cape Porpus, 242.
Captives, Lists of, 105, 131, 133, 136.
Ransom of, 109, 131, 136.
Captivity, Mrs. Rowlandson's Narrative
of, 98, 102.
Carts and cartways, 22, 59, 107, 108, 204,
261, 305.
Carter, Ephraim, 196.
Captain Ephraim, Jr., 335.
James Gordon, 335, 336, 337.
John, 144, 152, 154, 285, 286.
Reverend Samuel, 24, 123, 196, 285,
286, 325, 340.
Samuel, Jr., 141, 144, 152, 182, 183,
195. 19^. 202, 203, 204, 208, 285,
286.
Major Solomon, 335.
Thomas, 187, 188, 207, 285, 329,
Carter's Mills, 67.
Case, Mrs. Sally {Sawyer), 145, 290.
Casting lots, 42, 71, 186. 246.
Catechism, Slighting the, 129, 303.
Cateconimoug Pond, 219.
Cattle running at large, 21, 171.
Centre of the town, 6rj, 273.
Cellars, ancient, 291, 296.
Chamberlain, Benjamin, 222.
Joseph, 221.
Thomas. 216, 221.
Charably River, 155.
Champncy, Chamne, Daniel, 113.
Chandler, Ephraim, 216, 222.
George Frederick, 278.
iohn, 15, 16.
loses. 209, 229, 243.
Chapin, Abiel, 236, 239.
Charlestown, 32, 109, 251, 256, 261, 272,
280, 294, 298, 300, 305, 306, 311, 321, 323,
324. 325. 341.
Oielmsford, 48, 98, 109, 130, 221, 222, 321,
343.
Chestnut Hill, 220.
Chesquonopog Pond, 70.
Child, Doctor Robert, 11, 14, 23.
Chi Ids, James, 336.
Chimneys, ancient, 57, 290.
Chocksett, Choxet^ see Woonksechocksett, \
Christian, a Mohawk, 225, 233.
Church, David, 177.
Church, Covenant of, 169.
Lands of, 27, 29, 45, 156, 182, 283,
296.
Members of in 1708, 17a
Records of, 6, 169.
Churches of Lancaster, list of, 340, et seg.
Cider, 153, 154, 329, 331, 332.
Cilley, L. G., 291.
Clamshell Pond, 298.
Clap, Roger, 73.
Clapboards, 57.
Clarke, Hugh, information of, 107.
Thomas, 38.
Clergymen of Lancaster, list of, 340, ei seg.
Clerks of the writs, 48, 53, 77, 84,212, 251,
312.
proprietors', list of, 339.
town, list of, 3^8.
Cleveland, Captain William, 335.
Clinton, 82, 145, 180, 245,276,277,293,298,
336.
Clothes, iron, 284.
Cobb, Sylvanus, D. D., 342.
Cobbitt, Reverend Thomas, quoted, 114,
116.
Cocheco, [Dover, N, //.,] 116, 226, 230,
233-
Cotlin, Coffyn, Lieutenant Peter, 115.
Cohassctt Falls, \Goff's Falls, N,H^ 239.
Cold Spring, 145, 301, 304.
Collins, Daniel, 244.
Edward, 310.
Combs, Comes, Jonathan, 216, 236, 239.
Committee to order town aflfairs, appoint-
ed, 50.
Committee, the, withdraw, 78.
of Publication, 3, 4, 327.
Commons, 6, 20, 41, 53, 82, 83, 171, 178,
180. 181.
Concord highway, 45, 128, 249.
Concord, 21, 48, 49, 101, 107, 109, no, 114,
119, 127, 154, 272, 278, 279, 288,304,321,
325. 342.
Connecticut, new way to, 16, 73, 91.
Connecticut River, 227, 232, 236.
Constables, 22, 24, 26, 48, 84, 124, 128, 181,
187, 202, 207.
Contocook, Contockock, River, 231, 235,
238. 239. •
Contract, Prescolt's corn-mill, 32.
Prescott's saw-mill, 72.
Controversies, settled by arbitration, 28.
Conway, alias Peter Tatatiquinea, in.
Converse, Captain James, 156, 162.
Josiah, 165.
Cook, Alice, 126.
Coos, Cohosse, 224, 227.
Corey, Benjamin, 243.
Jacob, 229.
Josiah, 244.
Coming, Reverend William H., 344.
Coroners, list of, 338.
Coroner's inquest, 121, 150.
Corwin, George, 91.
Coulter, William J., 2.
«to
INDEX.
3SI
Education, 95, 172, 175.
Elevation of Lancaster aljovc the sea, 346.
Eliot, Reverend John, 16, 17, 38, 327.
Emerson's l^nk, e8o. 293.
Equality in first devision of land, 29.
Elstabrooks. Reverend Joseph, 126.
Estates. of ^rst settlers,' 39, 52, 248.
Excommunicants refused as inhabitants,
28.
Elxeter, 233.
Expedition to Canada, 1690, 127, 293.
against I^isburg, 1745, 236.
pACSIMILE signatures of early set-
■'• tiers, 24.
Fairbank, Fairbanks, Cyrus, 339.
Lieutenant Jabez, 144, 145, 152,
168, 173, 176, 179. 182, 183.
184, 190, 195, 196, 197, 198,
199. 200. 202, 203, 204, 267,
211. 215. 216, 217, 218, 219,
220. 221, 222, 244, 295, 296,
316, 334.
Jonas, 24, 31, 39, 40. 71, 82, 83,
106, 122, 135, 157, 218, 248,
277, 279, 283, 294, 314, 315,
316, 320, 324.
Jonas, Jr., 243* 295. 317.
Jonathan, 127, 133, 135, 218,
295. 315. 321. 326.
{oseph, 211.
oshua. 106, 157, 218, 295, 314,
324-
Mary, 133, 136.
Tliomas, 244.
Farm for country's use, 65.
Farmer, 'Hiomas, 229.
Farnsworlh, Ephraim, 229.
Isiuic, 220. 221, 243.
John, 174, 192, 193.
Keul>en, 229.
Samuel, 243.
Farrar, Fafrr,Fa>mh, Henry, 106, 292, 324.
Jacob, 24, 31, 32. 39. 40, 41. 54. 61,
64, 71. 108, 212, 248, 256, 258,
283, 289, 290, 291, 292, 294, 295,
297, 299 325.
Jacob, Jr., 64, 99, 166, 292, 316, 317,
320, 323.
John, 31, 39, 40, 41.43,71,248,256,
257, 292, 294.
John, Jr., 292. 316, 320, 323.
Ensign John, 166.
Farwell, Isaac, 216.
Fay, Colonel Francis B., 145, 336.
Reverend Henry C, 344.
John, 329.
Fence, the night pasture, 20, 299.
Fencing allotments, 29.
Ferren, Jonathan, 229.
Fever and ague, 240.
Fines and forfeiturrs, 28, 50, 51, 52, 60, 68,
70,74,81,89. 118.
First allotments ot land, 29, 33, maps, 244.
Fish-weir, wdffv, wgar, 60, 258.
Fisher, Major Jacob, 335, 336, 338, 339.
Jacob, Jr.. 336.
Fisher, John, 1 1.
Fisk. Jonathan, 244.
F'lagg. Josiah, 211, 312, 338, 339.
Sally, 292.
William, 99. 323.
Flag of truce, no.
Flankers, 58, 148, 149.
Flax, 265.
Fletcher, Charles T., 4.
Hczekiah, 243.
Samuel, 229.
Fort, Dummer, 227, 232.
George, 226.
larish, 2^1.
I'enecook, 2^
Washacum, 276.
Fortifications, 102, 149.
Ford, Robert, 229.
Foster, Captain Hopestill, 87.
Phmeas, 229.
Founell, John, 32.
Framingham, 215.
Freeman's oath, the, 308.
Freemen, 25. 38, 48, 249. 251, 254, 257, 261,
263, 267, 269, 284. 287, 298.
French and Indian war, 140, e/ seg.
Frog-holes, 82, 291.
Frost, James, 248, 303, 304.
Nicholas. 84.
Stephen, 341.
Fry vi lie, 145.
Fullam, Francis, 177, 179, 185.
Funeral charges, 154.
Fur traders, 9, 263, 327.
/^AINES, Gains, Gjv^r^i, Daniel, 24. 31,
^^ 72, 104, 122, 176, 177, 199, 203, 247,
248, 277, 283, 294, 324.
(kiines, Samuel. 284.
Gardner, Reverend Andrew, 137, 144, 145,
148, 150, 182, 214, 341.
Mary, 24. 153, 165.
Peter, 113.
Garrett, Harmon, 12, 13, 20, 23, 26.
Garrison, Fairbank's, 218.
Gardner's, 58, 145, 148.
ioslin's, 145.
loore's. 145.
Frescott's, 145, 277.
Priest's, 145, 302.
Roper's. 135.
Rowlandson's, 86. loi, 102, 104,
134, 152, 270. 283. 284.
Sawyer's. 58. 108.
Steevens', loi. 108.
Whitcomb's, 145.
Nathaniel VVilder's, 146.
Thomas Wilder's. 145.
Major Wi I lard's, 108.
Garrisons, building, etc., 131.
lists of. 143. 173.
Gates in highways, 53, 176, 177, 270, 297.
Gates tavern, the, 58.
Gates, Hezekiah, 312, 334,
iacob, 229.
lary, 46, 267, 268, 320.
Simon, 122, 177, 184, 267.
WKm
"X"' '*'^'™^ a. «>. J^ :
M..,rP. /&OT-- BK>j]ii. an 31. at
li™-»f. i;^ iti :*, ™,"S.
««.
l-.tiTiHni. i:^ ih litl lA ju.
»'(. wr. >fi.
Cl"-^^S T}1^ -Ham. ^.
n,..nus 111, ^7 38L -*
H.-i«.-li. K.h.ar.1. !»,»■ a:- ai jm.
■■'.. -T. »»^ MI. 2». Hi =1. Hi.
r".-...^Hl /tonW. Xi:JiiijE. iiTiaL
i . . ...1 ». M, 14* Mj. j^i jg, aa.
'r.i.-\ n,i.>tSi.-piiMi.N_.«j.
.,.",.■», /'rfi™-^.HaiiiiiL..;j^ zut
.(..hn. aj3.
|...li.h.3Ji.
\1.1IV »«. JH.
N:.i:.l,.ir".Jia-
■■ . .^ iw. *.j.
■•".ir.lm..n,l,33p.
■ ■'.'•-■ *««•. //«<i:-^^ Zi^c
l>;.m.-;. Hi.
. ^i.iMin ITiiim-is. no lai.
-. '•.■..l-m™.2i,jo.
. • ■* . ■;•■■.■. t-'..rKiMJi,i«.iij,
v.^;'^'' , ";■>', ;'"'
■ ■ ■■■'■"■^t.'».SI,53.'So.6t.5;.
■'4 ".7".«.<».i7o.i77.i7i.
i ■.,. iS.,, ,g,, isj. ,84, ,ji
■^> '■•'■ '•"■ '95. lyo. n^.
I."' I.K,. «.. aol. KM, J03,
"J AS, AV aio, an.
■- -V "K .-.n.l nbiinuining. 63.
7,'.:V'"f !•"'' "^■""""B- 53- i*-
• . . >.. 1" lft.l.lS3. 191. ,ps,
:,., '■ ■"■ "'. ^38. 301.303.
'..3°°-.
I. »34. =74. -
HimlebprTy, n?.
IjjnR. 71. B3.
M ;ilLiniiu.-hi-k.im iiclci. .l/.i^jwitii
</7. B71. 303.
M.issapiiiii:. UjiA.i/'.'H^f, 3t'i.
Mi>.inkdu.-.ik<\ 270.
Miin,idnai-li. .\ftm; unci. .WrijJai.
Menjjrii, i. li.w.iJii.'.i. IIjuv,.
»«.-*, Ii;'».:d'w«.*, ji.). J34. J,
Pj(|u ni'ki-l. £|l.
I*ini-. iSo, i.^, ao.i. »v,. «3.
I'onikin, [ Cfliii./iiw.f,-, ■■.■.('(
yiiii«.p..iiikiii. { j.v..»j-i-. !>.-..:
3^8. asg. ,
Quincus. (5»i/<.-«
Rattlesnake joi.
RetUlonc, 311^
I loini- liMs of |ikinli.'n, a8. 33, Vs. tilij
lltoinit. lliiirv K.3J'i.
IloiiKliiun. //j«v-*/-«. y/..Hi/.i*, H.ii]aiii
lli'ni.iiiiin, jr., ai6. lit.
ll.-nr.v, ijj. 173. aoi, 307, aij,
■4J. 3'1-
|.ii'..l^ Hi. 171. 171, iBo. 187,
LW, I'll. JUI, 3U3, J07, Miy,
l.iiiHS, lii, 143. aai^ 33i
l.'liH. 30, 71, 71), So, Bj, inB,
iiri, 177, i(S, »j3, 315.310,
Jk^iii. |r.. K-ii|iiiri-. 34, loB, 1-ja.
l'\l. "H- '."■>■ 'y* '7.'i. '7".
i;<l. irifc iSo, 1H3, 184, 1B5,
iMi. 1117. Iii8. aua, jirg. ai/j,
A-i. an, Jia, 333, 357. m/a.
-■"1. .*■>?■ .*7. -I'J. .1":
.(A JJ-., .<.!", 3JI.3JJ. 334.
131^ 317, jKi. JJl^ J3I-
\V.ltliaciiTii, I(*lJ*.r..-«. II,.-'.-.
f.>mt. IW^ 3»tl.
\V.il.i(|U.i<liH-k. llilj^ajJ-t^, 11."
A..*, llcl./rfl'H.'./''. «. IliiAV'-'
H'on-vi-M'': 4-i. 4^ '■^ .'■ '.
141, 145, IS8, 1.15. J,-.l, .-J!.!, .-.
301,3^4-
\Viil,ilK:k. -Jt'l.
Wkli.l|"'lti'l. lt"d*J,M*v/, llj.,!.-.!.
llV.^/.n'-'. ir.i.JAi..-)'. 11/..
/i,N*r/, II l-.u/i. -■'/, ^S.^ i.i.', 1.
IliDL-hiUII, Jj?. 'JOB. •■">• ^^\-
Hinckley, 'niom.is. hihr ..I, i...(.
Hlml*. r-lin. 14.1. 'iW. -tl". .!■"■ ."
Hoar. rMiiii-l, 117.
jolin, iii.MJ, .14-
n.«S»:.n.l., I.y.,l.^,;-'l. -■■«.. .!■
HohximlK'. R.-vvtr-inl k.-iil-'ii, ,u
HoUWn. Jolin. ii.i.
Hon. 'Ji'3-
Holnkin. [.Ti'mMli, ii/7,J"l-
HoH. Lriuh. 343.
23
■ 7". ih7. ")S, 1
i*. .i'^i. Si'i. 3J-t. 337,
H. -it. 3M. 3»>-
|J'^ its. -N7. itlB, J4„, aw,
-■SI. 'SJ, a^i. ay.. 3>.s. !!7o,
-v. '-'(. J7S. J*(, a'i7.*W,
quoted. 5E, I
3.340-
Hudun. S, 145.
Hudw)!), HutioH, Daniel, 57, 7B, 12a, 1,
134, 189,311,^1.333, 388, J
3H.3«6.
D»ni«l, Jr.. 3H. 331, 315.
Elliabctli, 133, 13s, 314, 336.
Mnntt, 133, 13s. 314. 3»*^
Nathaniel. 133, 141.388,303,3
WiJIiain, laX, 349, 30a, 314.
Humphrey, Oeacon ChBtJis, 183.
Hum, Iwac, 177.307.
Jeremiah, 939.
llunlinglon. loseph W., 339, 343.
HioHV, I'mricU F„ 336. 339.
IlulcluiHon papers, quolvd, iii.
Ilulcliins, Benjamin, 146.
Joiuph. 143, 168. i3o, igo, 30
I NCOKPORATION, Ad of. 25.
^ Indiiin b'iglil. itic. 165.
Indlun iiuid pun:luised, 9, 31, 3b, 13S, 173.
Irsidcn, 9. 263.
sagamonH. 16, 38, 91.
Moliuwk, Moifgt. 100, 395, u
xrj. 035, 240, 346.
Narraganiel, 103.
NflshaWHy, 16, 17, 38, 91, 97. 11
NaS.Bs.I0O.103.
Nipnci or Nipmuck, 98. 101.
QualHUg, 103.
Senei^a. 13a
lankeepefs, early, 337. il uq.
Inierviiha. 39, 345. 346.
Inliuilns lined, 53. 89.
Inviiallon to Master Rowkndson, 55,
Major Willaid, 64.
Ipiwich, 300, 34a
Iron-sione ledge, 73. 374.
Iran works, 48. 49.
JAMES. Daniel, 94.
Thomas, 30. 33, 36, 39, 40, .
7'.»5S.^5^^74.3^a■
>mts Primer, 111, iia.
'39. »7S.
efts, y^fii, Ebeoewr, 144.
enkes,loseph, .2. 13,
>, 98, loo,
107.113,117.
John's Jump, Bo, 121, 278, 290, •gi.
Johnson, Captain Ed»-ard, 33. 4S. S^. S«.
60,78,90.
John, 30, 34, 39, 4°. 4». 44. 60.
71. 77, 348, 373. 380, 381.
John, 3d. 141. 144, 156, ao3L
NOOll, 331.
Samuel, 3^.
Solomon, 281, 282, 309, 310, 311.
Jones, Reverend John. 137. 340,
Samuel. 174,193.193.
Jordan, Caplain, 136, 341.
oihn. yosfya. yeiUiH.Jeictfyit, A
83. 86. 369, 313, 3.6,
Abraham, Jr.. 104, 387. 9
331. 3^
Nailuniel. 31, 39. 44, 71. »47. *48.
357. 359. 367, 36a, 369, 370. 3r -
314.315.317.3™. J=.3=" "
Peler, 130, 141, 144. 145,1!
173. 175. 17S. '9a. "4. ri_, . .
187. 196, 197, 199, no. na, aS^
368, 369, 315. 319. 315. J«8-
Thomas, 31, 39, 61, 71. 1147. aA .
357, 363, a6S, 369, 284, j^
Journal. Bradstreel'a, ■" ■"
;:S;
Revei
i John
Pike's,
Journals, military, of LieutcDMit Jabec
Fairbank, 316-ait. '
of Captain John White, 330-333.
of Captain Samuel WOlai^ 334-
Judgcs, C. C. P., Lancastirr. 113. 313. 194,
337.
lurun, 68, 187, aoa.
Juslicvi of the Peace, list of, 33S.
L-ATIENANIT. Job. 100. 101.
*" Kc!«raage, Ciuagif. Mounlain, ^8.
Kolsey, Daniel, 244.
Kendall, Kindal, John. 304. 386.
Slmuel, 186.
Reverend Sylvanus C, 343.
Krniit!<i4M;k River. 226.
Kennnssi^BiUil, 164, 367.
Kerley, herff. CaH^. Eliiabetb. 104, I05,
„3^
Henry, 34, 30. 34, 37. 39, 40, 41. 45,
47. 55- 73. 76. 77. 8s. 87.94. M
... ... -56,303.448,33
, . . 87,314,31
3'7' 3*0.3". 3*4.3*.
3B3, 384. aSj, 1B7, 314, 315. J
35. 37. 39. 4ft 41
SO. 55. 64. 71. '95. 303. "47. "A J
369, 373, 383, 384. 285, 386, atgr, ^
300, 3»), 313. 333, 331.
fclT" ~ '
^^^^B
^B 355 1
Kcrley. William, Jr.. 14, 30. 3:^ 3,. 35. 37.
39, 40. 41, 4a. 47. 7a. 88, 148. 374.
regarding wild beasts, 134.
aa4.«a5.'S6.»a7,a88,3S5.
respcciing trainings, 56.
Kcllle, Ait/t/. Kttli. John, 105, 107. iii.
about selling strong drink to Inili-
Mra. EnSbMh, los, iii.ii4.3'6.
.S,S^„.3*.
KB)r«, James, 143, 177, 197. 198, 205, 106,
about education, 176.
211,382,334,
Learned, Samuel. 239.
John. :44. 156, 1B7.
Leaviit, Reverend Guorgc R.. 113.
- YSHMJC^C^U. Edward, 30, 38.
Doctor Josiah, 339.
LcctimwUy, 74.
, LydB, 30. 47, 48, 314, 32a
Leominster. 386.
Kilboum. William A., 339.
Killed by IndbuiLlUlOipcraons, 99, 104,
Lewis, Lewti. Leanis, Chrisioplior, laa.
254,356.
130. 133. 146. 323. 324. 3=5. 3»6-
John. 34. 30. 32, 3fy. 37. 39, 40. 41.
Kimball. Henry, go. 13a. 059.
7r. 83. 133, 248, 254. «SS. 333-
King, Thomas, 10. 34. 3^2,337.
Levi. 335, 338.
William. 30, 36, 37. 39. 40. 4<. 48,
a87.
61, 7r, 74, 123, igo, 24B, 354, 355.
King Phitip'a War. 98.
Levered. Siv'eni^'r^'^n. letters of, 98. i io.
King William's War, 125.
Kingslown. 233, 242,
levies and rales assessed, aE, 45, 51, 64,
79. Bi, 122, ia8. 140, 151, 162, iBj, 207.
Kiliery, 242,341.
Knight, Philip, ao, 39, 5a. 71. 1(6, 248, 264.
Lcvlngslon. lDhn,339.
273. 379, 280. 281, xp. 309, 3=3.
Lexington Alann, a58.
Knop. James. 97.
Librarv Committee. 3, 4.
Kulijuen, in.
Ucensed traders. 263, 327.
T ACEY, Lawrtnce. 244.
L Lakin. Lacam. L^m. Isaae. 220.
Lilley, Jonathan, 0,3.
Lime and Llmeston?. 57.
UtKoln, U«comc. Wdiiam. 89, 316. 317.
John, 243.
323.
loscpli, 143.
Linton, Liat/m, Richard. 30, 30. 33, 33, 37.
I'hilip. 33a.
40, 4". 70. a48. 249, 350. 351. 252, aoi.
^^^^B^ geograpliicai position ol, 34i&
"65. 275. 306, 322.
Ultlejolm, lllomas, 342.
^^^^M maps of. 8, 244, 245,
Luckc, Samuel. 289.
^^^H raihiary company of, 74, 86, 135,
Log house, laji in Liincaster. 58.
Lofcer, Mary, 279. 321.
^^^V 368.
^^^^ revords, condition of, 5, 313.
Long Hill, 71, 83.
^ Uinds, book of. 6, 83, 243,
Lois, coatine, 42, 71, 18S, 246,
W cliurth, 27, 39. 45. 156, IBs. 383,
Lotieries for SudUiry Bridge, 14.
I ^^
Louisburg. cxpeditiwi ngsin" »f '745. »37-
■ common. 6, 53, 83, 83, 171, 17B.
■ 180, i9t.
Lovewell, Lovetl, Captain, 337, 339. 330,
■ divisions of, 29, 39, 4t,54.6S.*9.
V 76. 77. 79. 176. iBi. 183, 184.
340. 341, 343. 331.
Lovewell's War. 215.
ft 186. 34s. "48.
LunenbuiB. '" Turiry ffllli. 224, 336.
Lunn, Lund, Itiomas, 130, 216.
Lusher. Major [fi/ftujrl, 38, 87.
■ iniorvale, 29. 145.
K meadow. 39. 39, 41. 69. 70. 83.
Luxlord, Reuben, 321.
K special granls of, 51, 54. 55. 56. 70.
B 74. 79, ^. Ba. 83, 91, 245, 348.
VI AC LOUD. Macl-dt, Mukl-ad. M»kt
^'^ Load. Muitloadi. Muckhdi.
B , staQdardor' quality, 186, 346.
John. lat. 370, 334.
m^ waste, 247.
Mordecai. 31, 54, 71. 78. 99. :22,
^^r Lane, narrow. 64, 213, 390, 291.
17S. 346. 355. 367, 270. 317,
^H Lane, Anthony. 259. 335. 336.
HP Colo^eiT^naa, 335, 338.
McNeil, Wiflfa'n?!?:. 4.
■ . Ijilham. Henry M.. 25"
■ Lawrence. Larrttnci. Reverend Amos E,
■ Daniorlh, 346.
Mal<.ne.*W;d«r. 343-
Esssi.^otr;'"-'^^-
■ William, 216, 221, 341.
■ Laws, raid in town-meeting, i^.
Map of Lancaster. 1653-1883. 8,
356
Maquas. 07, 130, 146, 155, 166, 179,
MarBk. Mnry. 311,
Marlborough, Matlinw, Marlhirrete,
7'- 7-1
119, lao, 124, 146, 15s. Ids, sfig, xjo.
181, aBa, 385, 387. !>93. *>*. 30S. 3'°.
3'l.3»S. 3=6. 3^.
Mdmaen m Lancosler, cncly, 330, tl ttg.
Marahdil, John, diary of, quoted, 13a. 149-
Mirvin. Reverend AhijaJi Perkins, 344.
MitKononoco, Manatniemit. 10, 11,
Miisiachusclta Hfslorieiil Socieiy. 149,3*7.
Miissncre of 1675, ^, 370, 306, 303,
ir^6, 103, 284, 3^
!*^ '?■■ ?,^3. 3"S.
Joiliii amily. 130. 315.
; Hill and Kind, Masafaiigi,
MASsapOHg \
. .. jipluin John, I7.
Mnlhei's, Reverend Cotton, Magnalia.
quonil. 133-3*0-
MitllBrnuck, S;u:ricin of Quabatig, 115,
MMlhew, S-igamorK of NMhawny, 31). 309.
Maynnrd. Mai»/i, John. a6i. 330.
Joseph, a43.
Broud, 1B8. Ikji9.
Brook, 71,97. »7I. 307-
Cranberry, 394.
Cumbeiv. 184.
Krug-holos, II3, 191.
Great-ponii.7l, 78. 307.
Hog Swamp, 304, 305.
Htnokie. kaioku, kaisecl^, 353,
PliimlKes, 54. 69. 70, 80, 97, 181,
183. 184. 197, 909. »7I, 303-
Pollopod, 190.
Proscotl's. ifia. 183.
Quositpunikin, 43, 61, 197.
Rocky Hill, aaa
Rusemary. 394.
Round, aoi. 393.
£ioulh. 195.
Scectttclc. 304.
Three Founl»lns, 394.
l^obaceo.pipe. 394.
Mairs, Robert, aij.
Medfirld, loo.
Mceiing-houses, ay, »9. 50. 113. 399. 340,
34I, 34*1 343. 344. 345-
146, 147. 151, 153, 156.
tSQ, 160, 16a, 340. 341.
rebuilding. II3. itfi-xdt,.
Mi-cling of IhP rivers. 67. 173, 378, 300.
Hot!
le Prends
_.. _ ..._ \NaB Bram~
Merrlmack River. 16, 334, 335, 336. 338;
240, 141.
Mile, the, 8. on/.
Military journals, aij, 1/ J<v>
Mill, Samuel Bennelfs. 307.
Jonas Prescolfa, 97, 397.
John Prescoitscom,3i, 106,131,1^4.
161, I77.
John Pre5cotlssaw,56, 78,131.
Thomaa Sawyer's, 155, 390, 395.
Joaeph Whitcomb's, 199, aoo, aoi.
Miller's River. 33B.
Milton. 153, aS7. 385, 3<>4.3ai, 3^
Mirtisieiiol lands. 07, 45, isfi, tSa, (84.
Mtnisle[*s house, 37, 55. 1S3. 197.
mainlenancc. ay, 38. 44, 55, 64,
133, 137, 14a.
Ministers of Lancaster, list of, 340.
Mlnott, Captain James, 13S, \si, Ite, Ha.
Mohawk, Mitkavff. Makigt, tfehauck. Mo,
aaj, 936, 337, 335, 340, 341,
Monad nock, WcmodHvtk, iftnadmiei,
H'tHadmui, 019, 334, 335. agS,
Monipni^l Brook, aig. ■
Monoco. Sagamore of NipneU, 98. 100, '
Mondosuc iiSe,' l!faiiasBi, llinuuael.
M-mosek, Mnfeuimut, 17^1^3.1^, aiQ.
Moore, Mivr. Marr, Jacob, 337.
John. Sen., 34, 30, 94.108. 'SO. '"^ ■
137, laS, i^, 366, 3a6, 333.
John, Jr., Ensign, 34, 36, 34, 3s,
39. 40. 41, 53. 60. 64. 71, 76, S8,
las. i»8. "34, 139. '73. "T/. »j8.
349, 350, 356, a6a, ays, Mi. aBa.
a86, ^7, 388, 389.393, 305, 306.
314. 315. 3>6. Jao, 333,396, mj.
John, 3d, >43. 145, 311,349,39.
305,306.315.3"-
Jonnthan, 143, 145, 171, 177, 187,
198, 308, ail, 349, 389. 3^ y*.
316.
Joseph 389,305,306,315.
Moose, block, 333.
Mordacoy. 189.
Morton's "New England's Meraorial," 103.
"New English Canaan," 46.
Mosley, Captain Samuel. IcIMr of, 9B.
Mosman, Samuel, 334, 333.
Moss. iiiTU. John. iMsomed. 114.
Mountain, Kcarsage, Ouagrf. 3^.
Monadnoek, 319, 134. Q5. «<- ,
WacbuEctt, 10, 11,85, tM, 130,
138, 317, 319. a»o, 334. 346.
Watatic, aig.
Miilipiis. Muliftin, River, 319.
Murder of Indian woruen and, cbildcsn, ,
Stephen, 339.
Miis
t Rolls,
MASHAWAY, Naskavvg. Natktmati.
'^ Naima, Nashuai, 9, 10. 16, (7,13, aj,
86, 98, 103, lai, 111. 139, 356, 3^ ays.
INDEX.
357
a8i, 307, 340,
Nashaway Indians, z6, 17, 38, 91, 97, 102,
263.
proprietors, 10, 13. 15, 245, 279.
River, 9. 22, 25. 64, 80, 139, 144,
193, 219, 220, 273, 274, 278,
279, 283, 290, 291. 292, 296,
304-
Sagamores, 11, 16, 39, 102, 107,
III, 112, IIS, 116, 117, 138,
139. 309-
wading-place, 8, 25, 59, 67, 273.
Nashacowam Naskoonon^ ShovHinon, Sho-
Ian, 10, II, 38, 139.
Nashobah [Littleton], 112.
Naticoolc, Neticoock, 239.
Natick Indians, 85, 100, 102.
Naukeag Pond. Nockeeg, 237.
Neal's, Daniel, " Present State of N. E."
quoted, 246.
Neck, the, 29, 33, 79. 144, 145, 161, 180,
183, 185, map, 244, 249, 250, 252, 254, 255,
264, 265, 275.
Neck Bridge, 183.
Neglect of public worship, 91, 94, 129.
Nepanet, Nepponet, Nepenomp, alias Tom
Dublet, 109, III, 113.
Nesonkecg Brook, 233.
New Braintree, loi.
New Boston, 345.
Newbury, 57.
New England Historic Genealogical Soci-
ety, 91, 119, 276, 327.
Histoncal and Genealogi-
cal Register, 230, 312.
" New England Canaan," quoted, 46.
" New England Prospect," quoted, 21.
" New England's Memorial," quoted, 103.
New Grant, 8, 138, 174, 177, 179, 192, 194.
Newby, Nube, George, 128, 300, 302, 303.
Ncwhall, Michael, 335.
New Jerusalem Church, 345.
Newton, 165.
Newton, Anthony, qa
Reverend U. Augustine, 344.
Joseph, 167.
'• News from New England," quoted, 104.
News Letter, Boston, quoted, 146, 149,
165.
Nichewaug, \Petershafn\, 229, 331.
Nichols, Nicholds, Benjamin, 216, 221.
. 269.
Nicholson, Captain Francis. 125.
Night Pasture, 20, 85, 97, 183,236,262,272,
399. 331-
Nipncts or Nipmucks, 98, 102.
^oxi'aSiKX\2LQ.\}&,Nonacoyecos, \Ayer\ g^,2^Q,
276.
Norcross, Reverend Nathaniel, 11, 12, 13,
340.
Northneld, 224, 232.
North Hampton, 146.
Nourse, Henry Stedman, i, 3, 4, 336.
Stedman, 296.
Nowell, Increase, 38,
Reverend Samuel, 106.
Noyes, Noyce, Ensign Thomas, Survey by,
8. 64. 6s, 74, 139.
Nutfield. 242.
Nutting, John, 244.
Nathaniel, 244.
OAKES, Reverend Edward, 123, 34a
Oath of fidelity, 22, 26.
Old Book, of records, s, 31. 37. 248. ^so,
273, 288, 338.
Old burying field, ^, 183, 204, 273, 278,
279.
Old Common, 14s, 212, 294* 298, 341.
Old Common burial ground, 164, 341.
Old Queen, 112.
Old Rock, 278.
One-eyed John, alias Monoco, 98, loo, 107,
112, 117,324.
Orchards, 55, 85, 260, 305, 331.
Orders of Selectmen, 40, 50, 52, 64, 69.
Orthodox Congregational Church, 343.
Osgood, Benjamin, 216, 221.
David, 216, 220. 221, 243, 338.
Hooker, 175, 185, 186, 191, 19s,
199, 201, 203, aos, 261, 300, 319.
, 3a?. 331.
Hooker, Jr., 188, 319.
Jonathan, 243.
Joseph, 339.
Ossipee, Ossify, 2^
Oyster River, 233.
Oyster shells, $j,
PACKARD, Reverend Asa, 043.
■^ Reverend Charles, 343.
Reverend Hezekiah, 343.
Page, Joseph, 243.
Oncsiphorus, petition of, iis.
Paige, Reverend Lucius R., 3*13.
Pal^hoag, Sachem, PaJkasAoia^, iij^, 116.
Palmer, Reverend James S., 342.
Park, the, 218, 2^.
Parker, Bcnjamm, 229.
Edmund, 30, 32, 37, 39, 40, 41, 71,
91, 122, 248, 25s, 2S6, 2S7, 301.
314, 322, 326.
Elizabeth, bastard of, 91.
George A., 29s, 336.
Harold, 2.
Herbert, 4,
Isaac, 243.
Captiiin James, 96, 97, 116, 13a
Joshua, 234. 237.
Phineas, 216, 221, 243.
Parks, Jonathan, 229.
Deacon William. 93.
Pasturage, Common, 21, 50, 53, 83, 171.
Pasture, the night, 20, 85, 97, 183, 236, 262,
272,299.
Patterson, Reverend Richard J., 344.
Pautucket, [Lovfe//,'] 16.
Peage, or Wampum, 11, 263.
Pearly, Jacob. 229.
Jeremiah. 229.
Pecwunsenn Pond, 238.
Pelham, Pellam, Captain William, 15.
Pemigewasset River, PemichewashetJPemi'
siwassett, Pimiwachet, etc., 231, 234, 23S1
358
[•cnccook River, ffnieutk, PrnicBokt, Ptn-
Hot't, B, jj, ^S, 60. 144. iw, »«, »50.
351, 351, 953, 254. 155, 356, aHo, aba, aUi,
HJS. aBo, 283, 393, a94. 395, 399,
Penecook wading-pluce, ao, 60, 97, 149,
Pequid, [A>w Z^nrfmJ 6a, 064.
Perry, Selh, iia.
PeUpawag, [(^ipAimJ 363.
Pelersham, 239.
Pelilionsof Nashaway Company, 11, 13,
15, »'. a3'
PeUtions, oT (he town of Lancaster, 37, 49,
59. 79. 90.M.9S, >o7, "9. 'ao, 103, 125,
131. 136. '38, l4<^ >S'. 'Sa. 'SS. "57. >58.
161. 163. 171, 17a. 175, 193.
PelHums of sunaiy persons, 47. 48. 03, 73,
86. 90, 115, iiB, 137, 136, 14a, 147, 148,
tS3, 166, 168, MS. 227, 309.
Penee, Reverend Joseph, 345.
nielps, Edward, iBo, 259, 319,
loBhua, 243-
Robert 329.
PhlUp, 107, 112, tt6.
Ponds,— NaukcaE. Nsckteg.xyj.
Pl^CW
1, ajB.
Canada Eipedi-
Phips, Sir William, h
Picrto', Jolln, 31,
Pierponl, Ptrpmil, Mr. \Ebtne:
«/*a«?] 175,
Pierson. Jonolhan, 243.
Plgwackcl, ai6, 227, 230.
Pike, (ohn, liis journal ij , - - .
Fine dill. Pin, 180. I90, 205, 206. 258,
Pine trees, 56, 176.
Pjsqualnqua River, 233.
Hiune, Andrew, 118.
Planters of Luicasler, first. 30. 39.
PlBtls, Mary, 278, 313.
" s, 54. 62,70.80.97,183, 183, 184,
), 156. 360, 271, 283, 303.
!:hrulopher A„ 3^
PoUev. I
Pomfion
, Pumham. 10
1, "76.
n, fi« (^aiitponikm^ 184.
,— Bare Hill, 8.
Caleconimaug. 219,
Chesqiionopog, 70.
Clamihell, 99S.
Cumbery. 184.
Cusumpe. 230. 236, 240, 341,
Great. \Batt Hai,\ 73.78.
Massapoag. Maiafiaugf, Maiha-
fBog. Mmhapogt. 8. 174, 194,
UncacliEvialunk, Uncktcmoala-
UHk. Uakackeaalinick. Kaikt- ■
vralunck. B, 174. 193, 319.
Wanominock. WaintmihoiKk. 319.
WashaL-um, Waihiuiim. Waska.
camt, Waikucomii. Wkaiktf
can, 8, 61. 74, 79.8a, 83.91. tSo,
186. ao4. 9iS, 319. xji.
West, an.
Winnipiseogce. Wi aifiiot ktl.
WiHKitpitoikry. Wmepiteock-
". 130. '3'. '39-
Pope, Bealni. 144. 331.
iotin, i«7, 394. 321.
[everend Rufus S., 34a.
Population of Lancaster in 1715, I76.
Post masters. Hit of, 345.
Potato, wild. \Afws liiiervlaf] 33.
Potter, Saiah. 321.
Pound, 50, 131.
Power, Daniel. 243.
Powowwing, /HHtniMii^, 17.
Praying Indians, 98. 99, loo, no, 113.
PrcclncI, second, church in, 34a.
Prentice. Pmtti. Reverend John, S. ^
164, 169, 173. 176. I8a, 184,
1S5, 187, aoa, ao8. aaS, 37B,
aa* 300. 305, 33a, 34a.
Doctor Slonion, 183.
Captain llionias. tao, 115, l6j.
I'tescotl, Benjamin, 217.
Ebenezcr, 144, 318, 33a.
John. 10, 12, 13. 14. IS, 17. (8. 19,
32. 14. as. 30, 3». 33. 34. 39. 40.
■I'. +6. 47. 48. 4?. 50.61,65,67.
71. 7a. 73. 7S. 70. 77. 79. 9'. M.
97. 108. 119. 110, 191. 146. 148,
350, 351, 3&(, W3, 371175. *76.
277, a78. 379, Aa. b8i, 383, 084,
287. 288. 289. 290. 393. 294. 295,
297. 398. 306. 308. 3I'.3"3. 3*5.
330'
John. Jr.. 14. lao, lai, 144. 156.
i6a, 168, 173. 277. 379.317. 31a,
John. 3d. 144. 156. iBa. 196, aoa.
308,317.
Jonas, 97. 19s, 376. a79, 313, 331.
Jonathan. 24. 94. loB. 113. lao,
1*7. 138. 174. '93. '93. »77. !»7a.
279. 299, 300, 313. 317. 321, 333.
Doctor Jonathan. 136. 167.
Samuel. 138, 141, 144, 145. I48.
ISO. 1E2, 278, 341,
■Vrscotl's Mills. 31, 36, 106. 374.
Pce&cnimenCs by grand jury, 48. 68, 74. 86,
94, 117, laB, 137, 17a, 17J. 181.
Prices of ComiDodillKl. 49. 35. IJ4.
Priest. Gabriel, aio.
Daniel, iBa, 309. sio,
John, 143, 145. 153. >73. ao6, 248,
INDEX.
359
302, 326.
Priest, John, Jr., 143. l8p, 302.
Priest and Houghton's hme kiln, 57.
Prince Library, 114.
Printing press, first in N. E., 308.
Proprietors, Clerks of, 43, 77, 176.
Covenant of, 27.
Estates of, 39, 248.
Homes of, maps, 244.
Petitions of, 13, 15, 22, 37, 49.
Records of, 5, 176, 245.
Prudential managers, 22, 25.
Public houses. 327, et seq,
Puckatau^h, Peter, 139.
Pulpit, building of, 164.
Pummannommon, 276.
Purchase of Nashaway, 9.
of additional grant. 138, 179.
Putnam, Captain William, 335, 336.
Q\}K&0\Q,Quabogud, Quabacokt Quo-
aMauge^ Quapaug, \l3rookfield\t 11,
16,98.103, 117.
Quanapaug, Quannapohit^ Quentpenttt^
91, 100, 139, 275.
Quanohit, Sagamore, alias James Wiser,
III.
Quanipun, Sagamore, 116.
Quarlis, Joanna, 285, 320.
Qu<isaponikin, Ponikin, Quascacanaquen^
QuosopoMagon^ Quasaponacin^ Quassa^
ponikin, Quasaponacan, Quosaponikin,
Quasopontcan, 42, 61, 78, 79, 179, 184,
196, 197, 218, 249, 252, 254, 255, 257, 258.
259. 260, 265, 267, 270.
Queen Anne's War, 140, et seq,
Qurrin, William, 243.
Quiticus Hills, 219.
TD AND, Christopher A., 346.
-*^ Nathaniel, 345, 346.
Ransom of captives, 109, et seq.
Rates. 28, 45, 51, 64, 79, 81, 122, 128, 140.
151, 162, 185, 207.
Rattlesnakes, 233.
Rattlesnake Hill, 301.
Rayner, Raner, keynor, Samuel, 17, 18, 19,
273-
Raynham. 49.
Reading, 221. 342.
Records of Births, 5, 312, et seq.
Church. 5,
Deaths, 5, 322.
Estrays, 6.
Lands, 43, 51, 52, 245.
Marriages, 5, 320, et seq.
Proprietors, 5, 245.
Roads, 6, 53. 60.
Town-meetings, 5, 41, 48, 55,
56,69, 74,78, 176 to 211.
Red Spring, 176, 177, 179, 199.
Redstone Hill, 219.
Reed, Read^ Reverend James, 345.
Joseph. 229, 334,
338.
Rendezvous tree, Randevou^ 190, 191.
Renie, Henry, 322.
Representatives of Lancaster, list of, 332,
et seq.
Resettlement, petition for, 1679, 119.
Revolution of 1688, the town's action in,
126.
Rice, Edmund, 45.
iohn A,, 278.
oseph, 293.
lerrick, 338.
Captain Peter, 192.
Richard, 243.
Richardson, Jonathan, 243.
WilUam, 334. 338. 339.
Rigby, John, 31, 44, 52, 54, 72, 108, 248,
262, 280. 291. 295, 296, 315, 320.
Rigby Brook, 196.
Rivers. — Androscoggin, Amrescoggin, 226.
Connecticut. 227. ^2, 236.
Contocook, Contociock^ 231, 235,
238.
Kennebeck, 226.
Lancaster, 174, 194.
Merrimack, Merimak, Meremack,
Marrinuuk, 16, 46, 224, 225, ^i,
236, 238, 240, 241.
Miller's, 238.
Mulpus, Mullipur's^ 219.
Nashaway, Nashuway^ 22, 25, 33,
61, 7% 144, 193, 219. 220, 273,
274. 278, 279, 283, 290, 291, 292.
296,301.
North, 9, 33, 34, 174. 193, 195, 199,
200, 219, 220, 250, 257, 259, 260,
262, 265, 267, 268, 269, 270, 273,
281, 284, 286. 287, 288, 291, 296,
J^. 299. 300, 3CX|.
Ossipee, Ossippy^ 240.
Oyster, 233.
Pemigewassct, Pemichewashet^
Pimiwachet,Pemisiw<issett, &c.,
231, 234, 23s. 238, 240, 241.
Penecook, Penecuck^ Penicook^
Pennicook^ Penicooke, Pentu-
cook, 9, 33. 45, 60, 144. 199, 231,
233. 238. 239. 249. 250, 251, 252,
253, 254, 255, 256, 258, 260, 262,
266. 275, 280, 283, 293, 294, 295,
299.
Piscataquog, 233.
Saco, Saivco, 230, 236, 241, 242.
Sowhegan, Hawhaig, 219, 24a
Squanicook, 219.
Still, 54. 61, 62, 70. 97. 141, 236,
251, 271, 272, 273, 274, 280, 296.
301.
Stillwater, 218.
Ware, 234, 237.
Roads, earliest, 4^, 60, 64, 77, 96.
Robbins, Robin, Daniel, 339.
Eleazar, 243.
Robertson, Doctor David Steuart, 145.
Robinson, Elder Dorcs Alonzo, 345.
Reverend John, 137, 340.
Nathaniel, 122, 288.
Nehemiah, 229.
Rogers, Rodgers, Jeremiah, 30, 72, 78, 86,
122, 207. 248, 257, 258, 259, 270.
-. ■*
360
INDEX.
393. 3»4. 315. 316, 317. 321, 322.
324. 325.
Rogers, Samuel, 200, ao2.
RoUstone, Rolestone, Mill, 219, 220.
Roofs, forms of early, 58.
Roper, ICphraim. 105. 133, 135, 136, 282,
317, 318, 321, 324, ytti.
John, 31. 39. 40, 45, 60, 71, 77, 79,
80, 106, 108, 135, 177, 248, 280,
281, 282, 288, 291, 309,310, 311,
325. 331.
Roper's Brook, 61, 273. 278, 282. 288, 296.
Ross, 'ITiomas, 141, 144, 146, 152, 156, 243,
a86.
Rowlandson, Roienson, Kino/inson, Kou-
lison, Hridget, 62, 284, 300,
320.
Reverend Joseph, 20,24, 3i.
40,41,44. 46, 50.51. 55.60,
62, 64. 71. 102, 104, 106,
109,111.114,115,119,132,
134. 248, 254. 262, 263, 274,
296, 299, 300, 301. 303, 314,
315. 316, 320, 322. 324, 325,
340.
Joseph. Ir.. 105, 115, 299,
300. 301, 314.
Mrs. Mary, Narrative of, 98,
102.
Tliomsis, Sen., 24, 48, 62,
274, 300, 322. 34a
'nn)iiKi.s, 3d, 104.
Rowley, 2(k>.
Roxburv. 21. 92. 165. 254, 256.
Rugg, 6enjainin, 243.
Daniel, 141, 144, 187, i<A 206, 283.
332.
Hannah. 133. 136. 283. 315, 32^3.
John. 24. 31. 3*^ 40. 4 1 , 48. ix\, 72. 82.
120, 122. uju, '247, 248. ■2^^2, 274,
279, 280. 281, 282. 283. a;i, 314,
315. 3»^ 317. 3^. 322, 325. 3^'
]ohn. Ir., 144, 171. 283. 315.
Joseph, 133, 283, 316, 320.
S;innicl. 180, 211, 325.
Rum, 106, 329. 330.
Rutland, 217, 218, 219, 220, 234, 235, -2^7,
238.
Rutter (yoA//f),soS-
Rye-field. Prescoii's, 60, 1S2, 273, 278, 288,
289.
CABBATH ordinances, neglect of. 91,
*^ i^, 96, 129.
Sabbath scene in 1706, 164.
Saco, Sa-uvo, River, 230, 236, 241, 24-.
Saeononoc. 10.
Saint Francis, 227, 234.
Sagamore, election of, 38.
Salary of minister. 28, 55, 64. 1S5.
of representative, 207, 333.
of sciioohnaster. 185, 202, 207.
Salem. 253. 259, 323. 341.
Salmon Falls, 242.
Salisbury, 62, 115.
Sam, alias Shoshanim, Saganionr, 39, 102,
107, XII, 112, 115, 116, 117, 324.
I
Sanders, Reverend Daniel C, 341.
Sanderson, Roliert, 252.
Satell, David, 216,
Sawyer, Stiyrr, Sauier, Amos, 202.
Ik'Tialiel, 156, 187, 202, 206.
Caleb, 143, 173, 182. 183, 189, ao9.
210, 248, 290, 306, 314.
Elias, 155. 184. s88, 190, 195, 203.
Kphraim, 106, 290, 313.
&.ra, 220, 221, 229, 242.
Ezra, 2d, 336.
Henry, 242.
]ames, 321.
John, 191. 229. 315, 319.
Jonathan, 187, 203.
Joseph, 143. 1^7, 178, 180, 201, 2C34,
211.
foshua, 321.
Nathaniel, 141, 144, 145, 154, 156,
168, 179. 188, 195, 196, 201, 204,
316, 328.
Samuel, 216, 221, 229, 242.
Thomas, 22, 25. 31, 34. 39. 40, 41,
43. 44. 48. SO. 52, 61, 64. 71, 79,
108, 120, 122, 138, 144. 248, 273,
274, 279, 289, 290, 291, 292, 397.
306, 313. 314. 320. 323, 326.
Thonuis, Jr., 108, lao, 122, 138,
144, 145, 152, 155, 173, 182, 186.
211, 290, 295, 313, 317, 321, 323,
334.
William, 143, 173, 177, 178, 302,
205. 332.
Scalps*, bounty upon, 106, 229.
Scar Hriilgc. 177, 180.
Scatf, Slaif, Skeat/i, John, 133, 135, 261,
280, 32<).
Schools, 172, 175.
School-house Hill, 341.
Schoolmasters, 172, 175, 185, 202, 207,
Scituatc, 2'^.
Scouts, journals of, 215, et Stu/,
Scriptrr. S.iinucl, 2i<>,'22i.
Scars, .VfV.*, Anna, 2f/2,
lolin. 2\r2.
kcvcu-nd Ivlnuuid Hamilton, 342,
Selectmen, 50. rx,, 74,77, 128. 158, 171, 172,
175, liSi. iv-ij, i»>8, 202, 208. 328.
Senators, list of, 330.
Ser\'ant, bought, 2(v«
Seventh Day A(Ivcnlists Church, 290, 291,
345-
Scwall, Sauuiel. 1 )iary of, 109. 117, 126,
Shatluik Manuscripts, qi, 119, 276.
Shattuck, lanu;s, '2i('). 221.
S.unuel, 229.
Sh.iw, lohn, 20.
Slu^at, VVilliani, 2<k), 306.
Slu-p.irtl, 1 )aniel. 243.
John, 2-13.
Kt.'vcreud Thomas, 73.
Shepley. John, 243.
Jonathan, 216, 221, 243.
Sherborn, 130. 253, ^2!(.i,
Sheritfs, 337.
Sherman, lohn, 177.
INDEX.
361
Sholan, Shirwanon, Shaumanw, 11, 16, 38,
66, 139, 322.
Shoshunini, alias Sam, 39, 102, 107, iii,
112, 115, 116, 117.
Shrewsbury, Skruhui^, 219, 342.
Shrewsbury I-Ajg, map, 8. •
Signatures ol early settlers, 24.
Silvanus, negro, 93.
Silver, Reverend Abiel, 345.
Sill, Scyll, Ciiptain Joseph, 106.
Simon Boshakum, alias Pottoquam, 116.
Simon Fipo's planting-field, 145.
Simson, Thomas, 231.
Singletary, Singleterfy, Richard, 166.
Skeaih, John, see Scate.
Skid more, Scidmorc, Thomas, 13, 15,
Slave, 267.
Sleeping Rock, 267.
Smadley. John, 45.
Smith. Moses, 336, 338.
James, 143.
John. 30. 34, 39, 40, 41. 71, 146, 248,
261, 269, 284, 285. 286, 287, 314.
323.
Richard, 18. 19, 20, 24, 32. 37. 39,
40,41,60, 246, 248, 261. 262, 203, !
2S3, 284, 285, 286. 296, 299, 314,
320, 322.
Snow, fames, 144. 173. 184, 202, 203.
James, Jr., 144.
Snowshoes. loi, 142.
Soldiers, lists of, 127, 215, 216, 220, 221,
229.
SoUendinc, John, 130.
Sowhegan, Soivhaig, Indians, 16.
River, 219. 240.
Spalding, SpalJen, John. 146, 148.
William, 229.
Spectacle meadow, 304.
Spraguc. Honorable John, 335, 336, 337.
Spring. Cold, 145. 301, 304.
Red, 176, 177, 179. 199, 297.
Spung or Spong. 54, 262.
.Scpianicook River, 219,
Squaws and sannups, 240.
Squaw Sachem, \^ii'gctamoo,] 11.
Stated Common, 178, 179, 180, 181, 187,
281, 283. 287. 292, 297.
St(rarns, Kli, 335.
Stedman, William, 335, 337.
Stcevons, Cyprian, 24. 84. 86. loi, 108, 121.
127, 128, 141. 144, 156, 162,
168, 177, 211, 243, 261. 272,
312, 317, 318, 321, 338.
Simon, 84, 141, 14.4. 152, 156,
168, 173, 180, 215, 251. 261,
272. 299. 318.
Stephens, John, 216, 229.
St<*rhng. 91, 166, 245, 260, 276, 286, 298,
336. 342.
Stevens, Reverend Benjamin, 341.
Captain. \^P/iineas^ 217.
Elizi\beth, 267.
Samuel, 166.
Reverend Timothy. 134. •
William, 242.
Stickney, Samuel, 229.
Still River, 54, 61, 62, 70, 86, 97, 141, 236,
251. 253, 271, 272, 273, 274, 280, 296, 301,
330.
Stillwater River, 218.
Stockade, Watertown to Wamesit, 106.
Stocks, 50, 137.
Stoddard, Anthony, 73.
Stone, Joseph, 202.
Deacon, [Daniel^ lao.
Stoughton. Governor William, 133.
Stow, 128.
Stow, Samuel, 185, 243.
Stratton, H. B., 285, 331.
Street, the so-called, 33, 61, 196, 273, 280,
281, 282. 283, 284, 2b6, 288, 289, 291. 29.4,
295-
Strong drink, sale of, 85, 263, 327, et sci/.
Stuart, John, 338,
Sudbury, Sudbepy, Sudburyc, 13, 14, 22, 23,
26, 47, 63, 65, 100, 107, 119, 120, 224, 258,
268, 279, 281, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289,
321.
Sudbury River and Marsh, 13, 14.
Sumner, Deacon Roger, 24. 31, 39, 40, 72.
74. 75. 96. 97. 107. 248. 257, 259,
269. 304. 315. 316. 317. 320, 322,
326.
Samuel, 128, 257.
Suncook, 233, 239.
Survey of additional grant, 174, 192.
of original grant, 65,
Surveyor for proprietors, 70, 178, 179.
Sutton, Richard, 31.
Swamp, Hemp, 297.
Hog. 196, 198, 204, 205, 304, 305.
Horse, 294.
Swan, 45, 46, 60, 97, 188, 189. 198,
249. 260.
Walnut. 61, 187, 188. 189. 196,206,
287, 297, 300, 302.
Swagon, 118.
Swans in Merrimack River, 46.
Swift, Thomas, 122, 285.
Symmcs, Oileb T., 261. 272.
Symonds, Henry, 9. 34, ^21.
Symonds and King trucking house, 9. 34.
83, 246, 261. 275, 277, 329.
HTAHANTO, Dahannata, George. 138.
173. 179. 193-
Tailer, Colonel William, 128, 153, 192.
Tar and Tuq")entine, 176.
Tarbol, Samuel, 229.
Tatatiquinea, Peter, 11 1.
Taylor, Frank D., 146, 285, 331.
John, 231.
Taxation without representation. 23.
Taxes abated, 56, lao, 151.
Teachers, 172, 175, 185, 202. 207.
Temple, Abigail, 321.
Isaac, 253.
Jonathan, 243.
Thatching tools, ^7.
Tliayer, Eugene V'. R., 182.
Nathaniel. 4.
Reverend .Nathaniel, D. D., 342.
Thompson, Doctor J. I^ S., 249, 336, 339.
362
INDEX.
'niurston, Cai)iain John, 335.
John Ciiitcs, 335. 336, 33<).
John, Jr.. 33().
"Saniucl. 3^.
Silas. 336.
Wilder S., 346.
TimlKT IMain. 258.
Tinkfr. I'incker, John. 20, 24. 25, 31,37,
40, 50. 52. 59, 60, 64, 68, 246. 248, 2<ji.
2^)2, 263. »'h, 272, 274. 280, 298, 299, 320.
32a, 337. 33«.
Toliacco. io(>, III, 265.
Todd, Reverend John E., 343.
Tom Dublet, alias Nepanet, 110, iii, 113.
Tf.M)ml»s, William. 277.
Torrcy, El>enc/.i*r, 338.
Towers, John, 31.
'I'own Clerks. Iibt of. 338, 339.
Town hrand marks, 16. 80.
Town meetings, attendance at required,
80.
records of, 5. 41, 55. 56,
69,74.78. 17610 211.
warning. 56.
Town ortk'«*rs el«'cted, 77. 185, 187, 202
208, 212.
TowuMMid. He/.ekiah, 191, 195, 206, 211.
Tow'nslii|), grant of. 21, 25.
full lilM?rty of a, 37, 49, 78, 90.
Training field, 180, 187.
Training-^. 5^, 74, 87, 88.
Trucking houstr »>! Symontls and King, 9,
I mil, Sanuiel, 2J>>.
Iiiikrr, looker, Aithur, 128.
TliDUJ.is. n/7. 20<). 210, 211, 298.
I'lU'lls. ///<■/. /m'-WA. Marnard. 20), 243.
Turni-i. Sii-\i-ns 11.. 34^1.
Cijji.iin WiNiam. 135.
TMi|tfntirii\ 17M.
Tiirki-v Hills. \l.uneitbutx.\ 194,217,218,
21.;. J J J. JJ.v 2-i.j. 236, 2.H.
TMiulu-li. iii.ht'l, Hrnjamin. 30.
'I viu;. IvKsard. <*i.
(!(i|()ni'I l''len/ar. 136. 138. 142, 162,
I'lH, 215, 22 J. 223. 231. 235.
Jonathan. 15M.
( 'aptain Wi.liam. 146, 147, 148,1^4,
i':8.
! TNIIAKIAN Chureh, 3.10. 3ji. 342.
*^ I'nivris.ilist clnireh, 342.
I "lu .nhfw.ihink i*i)n«l, I ■Htheco\i\ilounk ,
I 'fiktti ftt-,i\ilNH.l', A'tii/it'7i'ti//fHik, H. 174,
I '|ip.ini|>p.ii|iuin), ii'S.
I '■•Imt. liilltl, 21'1.
rsk.ittiilii;ijn. .ili.is Sam. 111,324.
\ ;.\Lri-'. .it rm.itrs nf first s.-ttU-rs 30.
* I.unls. iK().
Si lii»olma»itiT's serviees.203.
Jt»7.
.1 l»(iui;ht servant. 2^7.
simdii.'S .ji,. 51. 118. 134.
14-;, 154, IM7. 108. 185. 180,
Varnum, John, 229.
Veiwing liighways, lx3unds and fences. ^4.
81.
Virgin, Ebcne/AT, 221.
Volunteers, 107, 225,^26, 229.
Vose. Jane, 321.
Samuel J. S., 261, 331.
Voters, qualificiitions for, 52.
WAIIVN, 115.
^^ Waohusett, li arrAassr/, llafiAu-
sett, Wachusets, W'ockoosctt, 10,
II, 85, 112, 130, 138, 217. 219.
220, 234, 332, 346.
Wading places, 8, 20, 59, 60, 67, 97, 249,
273. 331-
Wadsworih. Captain Samuel, 101. 103.
Wales. Joseph. 338. 339. 345.
Nathaniel, 303. 304.
Walker, Ik'njamin, 229.
IsjUic. 10. 13, 15. 16.
Isabel. 323.
Scth. 200.
Walnut Swamp. 61, 187, 188, 189, 196. 206,
207, 287, 297, 300. 302.
Wamcsit, [ TnvkshNry, ffoio Litjtv//,] 106.
Wampom, or |K*age, 11, no, 263.
Wanomenock Pond, 219.
War, Queen .Anne's, 140.
I^)veweirs, 21^.
Philip's. 08.
King William's. 125.
Ward, Henry. 31.
Nahum, I7»). 177, 304.
Nathaniel, his "New Knglnnd's
l*r()$peet," 21.
Reverend Kichanl, 345.
S.iiiuu'l. vrj, 335.
( '.ij)tain Samuel, 338. 339.
Deacon Willi.im. 120. 1^2.
W.in", .Mrs. M.iry (>.. 134.
Wan' River, 234. J37.
Warn«T, I.iruu-nani I^lea/ar. 2^f^, 240. J4J.
243-
John, 143, if.Ki, joi;. 210. 24(j. 302.
3'»3.
Samu«'I. i7«/. 1S7, 203. 204, 2f7.
210, 302.
Warning nut of town. 80. 181. 20Q.
Washaeum. H '.;.»'/.7r:>/;/,V. li'/t.n/jii.om.
\ I 'i's/it't:u m, \l'ti</i.t,.'ff/, II iW hiikit m .
\\'a\fiiikim, \\'a<i/i,uopnh. '»i, 74. 71). S2.
83. 91. 115. l.So. I8^ 105. 20J. 218. 275.
276. 308.
Washburn, John M.. 33'!.
Wassamagom. n./.f'./wiV'/.v/w. 10.11.
Wata(pi;ii|ock. \\ ii/.ii/itii.io^ kt\ W ',i.\i ri.i-
tihk, 1 1 \l/i2./iO >,/.'kt\ 1 1 "i/,/.|.///,^/. .. <-, J J.
45, 60. 71. 132. 141. 145. 157. iS>. ii,-,.
270. 28.y. 2'/\ 301. 3f^. 3^5. V>'^
Wataliek. 2Hj.
Watch house. 141^
Watrrs, Adam. 2'»o, J'li. 2S'.i, 313. 323.
lost'ph, 1-22, I2rf, 143. 232. ytxi.
-'". .^"7. 3^^. 3«8-
I-iwrt-nci-. i;s. ii,. 20. 24. 2" 1. 30.
.<-'. .^7. 3". 4". 41.5-. '•'^. 7-!. 74.
INDEX.
363
76, 85, 118. 122. 135, 246, 248,
252. 260, 261, 262, 273. 275, 283,
293. 313. 3*4. 322, 335. 331-
Waters, Samuel, 261, 321.
Stephen, 122, 135, 260, 261, 286.
Watertown, 10, 11, 21, 31, 35, 86, 106, 109,
134, 251. 256, 260, 275. 278, 279, 281. 295,
298, 321, 322, 326, 340.
Wafkins, Andrew, 244.
Weights and Meiisures, 68, 74, 137.
Wedge, Thomas, 316.
Wells, H'Wj, 242.
Richard, 62, 115.
Wenham, 254.
Wentworth, Colonel [yoAfi], 226,
West, Mary, 209.
West Townc, 23.
Wethersfield, 119, 266, 301, 325, 340.
Whaley, Lieutenant George, 17, 18, 19.
Wheeler, Abraham, 132, 133, 318.
Ephraim, 216, 220, 221, 243.
Cieorge, 45.
Isaac, 319.
Joseph, 99. 323.
Josiah, 143, 173. 189, 191. 195,
196, 198, 204. 304.
Richard, 71, 80, 82, 106, 157. 248,
279, 292, 293, 315. 316, 317, 322.
Samuel, 127, 128, 293, 325.
Sergeant, Thomas, 15.
Zehediah, 307, 315.
WMieelock, John, 242.
Joseph, 141, 144, 160, 161, 189,
2ZO, 216, 220. 221, 229, 319,
332.
Josiah, 205, 249.
Timothy, 127.
Whipping iKJst, 129.
Whip sutterage, plantation, 65.
Whitcomb, iX'hetcombe, IVMt/coM, Co\ov\c\
Asa, 334, 330.
David, 143, i8o, 188, 196. 197.
200, 201, 202, 207, 266, 293.
321. 328, 329, 331.
Widow, Hannah, 130, 266.
Ilfzckiah, 143, 187, 201. 205.
207, 266, 293, 318.
Job, 04. 108. 265, 266. 317.321.
Colonel and General John, 338.
John, Senior, 24, 30, 37, 39.40.
41, 63, 71, 248. 250, 252, 264.
265, 266, 322, 323.
John, Jr., 30, 39, 40, 41. 71, 108.
121, 188, 231, 248, 264, 265,
206, 267, 317, 32X, 325.
Jonathan, 89. 94, 108, 121, 141,
144, 152. 156, 265. 266, 316,
317, 319, 320, 325.
Joseph, Doctor, 229, 231. 242.
Josiah, 124, 137, 143, 158, 160,
161, 171, 173, 265, 266, 315,
3^6, 317, 318. 319, 320, 323.
,.334.
Garrison, 145.
White's Pond, 184, 220.
While, ICmory 11.. 259.
Eunice, 227.
I
White, Q^ptain John, 166, 176, 187, 188.
190, 198, 208, 222, 225, 226, 227,
228, 229, 23b, 232, 254, 319, 338,
, 329. 331-
John, Senior, 30, 32. 36, 39, 40. 41,
44. 54. 56, 61, 72, 76, 191. 195.
248. 253. 254, 293. 300, 32a.
Jonathan, 166, 228.
Josiah, 24, 97, lao, 122, 128, 141.
145, 156, 162, 166, 168, 177, 184,
187, 191. 195, 196, 197, 198, 199,
200. 202, ao6, 208, 210, 228. 254,
255, 256, 266, 318, 319.
Josiiih, Jr.. 228, 334.
Whiting, Alice, {Cook), 24, 126, 134, 138.
iamcs, 30.
Lcverend John, 126, 132, 134,
138. 326, 340.
General John, 335, 337.
Timothy, 126.
Timothy, Jr., 337, 338, 345.
Solon, 335, 339.
Whitman, Davis, 335, 336.
Reverend Samuel, 137, 341.
Whitney, Anna H., 4.
Jonathan, 204, 209, 210.
Reverend f*eter, history of,
quoted. 43, 155, 224.
Whittliorn, William, 325.
Whiitemore, Benjamin, S. T. D., 343.
Wickapckct. IVaiapaket, W'acapticit, W'a-
kapacet, Wacapacet, Wecapiikit, Wick-
epocket, Wccapeket, 189, 190, 195, 196,
203, 204, 205, 206. 218, 220, 286.
WicKapimsec, 218.
Wild-cat, 124.
Wilder, Wyelder, Willder, Aaron, 346.
Caleb, 6. 67, 214, 247, 339. •
Carter, 346.
Charles I^wis, 20, 299.
David, 334, 338.
Ebenezer, 177, 178, 188, 190, 191.
197, 199, 200, 205, 206, 208, 209,
210.211, 298,332,334.
Ca])tain Ephraim, 141, 144. 146,
152, 154, 156, 162, 166, 172. 178.
ido, 186. 167, 189, 191, 197, 198.
199, 200, 202, 223, 277, 318. 334.
330, 337.
Coionci James, 178, 180, 183, 184,
186, 187, 189, 195, 197, i9h. 199.
202, 203, 204. 205, 206. 2i>9. 210,
290, 3". 328, 332, 338.
Deacon Joel. 335, 330.
)oel. 2d, 282.
J<K-1, Jr.. 2d, 336.
John, 108, 144. 158, 160. 161. 170.
179, 183, 184. 190. 191, 204. 205.
215, 244. 298, 317, 318. 3iy, 321.
John. Jr., 244.
Jonathan, 139, 152, 156, 165. 166.
3^8, 319.
Jonathan, Jr., 335.
Judge Joseph, Senior, 6. 142. 154.
171. 172. 176, 178, 179, 180, 184,
186, 187. 188, 190. 191, 197, 199.
200, 202, 205, 206, 208. 212, 213.
364
INDEX.
I ■
318, 328, 332. 334, 337, 338, 339.
Wilder, Judge uiid Colonel Joseph, Jr.,
171, 214, 334, 337, 338, 339.
V Doctor Josiah. 319, 338, 339.
Luke, 339.
Lieutenant Nathaniel, 108, 117,
124, 128, 136, 139, 141. 144, 146,
152. 156, 261, 277, 281, 282, 298,
318. 319. 321, 325. 328, 329.
Niilliuniel, Jr., 202, 203, 204, 281,
282, 318, 319.
IJeutenant and Colonel Oliver,
187, 196, 203, 204, 206, 224, 242,
261, 381. 319, 329, 331, 333.
Samuel, 338.
Solon, 341, 346.
Thomas, 24, 31, 69. 72, 73, 75, 77,
79, 82, 88, 108, 247, 248, 260,
271, 280, 281, 296, 297, 298.
Thomas, Jr., 120, 121, 125, 127.
144. 145, 153, 158, 160, loi, 164.
170, 171, 172, 173. 197, 206, 209,
212, 256, 298, 31B. 319. 320, 332,
338-
William G., 346.
Wilds, ll'i/es, Joseph, 205.
Richard, 205. 215, 243, 244, 332.
WilUird, Aaron, 190, 221, 243.
Colonel Abijah, 237, 337, 338.339-
Abel, 333. 339.
I^njimiin, 127. 12S. 142. 307. 338.
llenr>', njj, 199, 200, 202, 229, 236,
243. 272, 307, 319, 321, 330.
liezekiah, 143. 173, 200. 319.
Jolm, 143, 191, 2CX), 202, 209, 249,
272,300,307,321.
. Jonathan, 200, 243, 272, 31O, 319.
Joseph, Esquire, 43, 66. 67, 126,
137. 133, 145, 150. 164, 212, 335,
Joseph, 200, 272. 314. 319.
CJaptain Josiali, i9<-).200, 202, 209,
222, 224, 243. 244, 272. 319.
Joshua, 338.
U'vi. 237, 338, 339.
Moses, 220.
Kiul, 338.
Ca])tain Samuel, 171, 187, 199,
200, 201, 203. 204, 205. 226, 234
to 240. 241, 142. 2.f3. 244, 250,
272, 299, 303. 319. 329, 331. 332,
334. 337. 33^' 339-
Samuel, Jr., 338.
Major Simon, 15, 24, 33, 45, 46,
47. 50. 5a. 60. 64, 65, 75. 77. 78,
84, 85, 86, 89, 90. 92, 98, 108, 109.
I
122, 134, 247, 261, 263. 264, 270.
271, 272, 283, 296, 2t»'i, 303, 314,
315.316, 320, 322, 324, 329. 331.
337.
Willard, Simon, Jr., 143, 145, 272, 276.
Williani, 338.
Williams, Jason, 221.
John. 222.
Thomas, 128.
Wilson, Benjamin, 202, 305, 332.
Jeremiah, 144. 171. 173. i3P.. i.>«».
249. 304. 305-
Reverend John, 73.
Joseph, 229, 242.
Nnthaniel, 2O0. 305, 321.
Windows in early houses, 58.
Windsor. Ct., 202.
Winnrpise()c:'»c, W'ifiipisockt't, W'nnir/'r-
S€Ock«^\ \\'int!piseoikt-f, 130, 131, 138.
Winslow, Kdward, "(Jiorious Proj^n^ss of
the (Gospel," 16.
Winter Harbor, 230, 242.
Winter Plain, 271.
Winthrop, Ciovernor Jolwi, "History of N,
E. quoted," 10. 11. 12, 14.
Wiser, James, alias Quanapaupj. 91. 100.
139. 275-
Witchcraft, 307, 308.
Witherby, Jobiah, 244.
Woburn, Houboinne, 123. i'>2, 221, 240,
257, 2S5. 287. 292, 301. 302. 32T.
Wolf pi.m, 21.
Wolves, 21. 124. 128, 302.
Won. an Indian Soldier. 243.
Wonchesix, 121.
Wonsqiion, Womsquam, lolin. 124. i^t,.
Woodrop, \\'onddrofft\\<x\'<.'.XK'-\v\ William
123. 340.
Woods, Cjornct. {Henry), 120.
Naac. 210, 221, 243.
Jr)s.'ph. 243.
MatilifW F.. 339.
\V^V)nks^.'chocksctt. 1 1 'fnh<:iic->xt't, C/io,- i'-
sctt, (Hsrc/iox,-fs, (.k.U'.hrri.*, V.^, 2I«>.
22fJ, 260. 341. 342.
Worcester, Wossrsft'r, 219.
Writing School, 172. 175.
Wright, Kbcnezcr. 229.
Isaac, 322.
John. 221, 329.
Joseph, 22>>
Captain Samuel, 177, 21 t. 23}.
Wyman. Captain Honjamin, 335, jjh. 33 *.
lJ*.'njaniin K, 202.
Ca]jtain Sctli, 225, 22'\ 232. 233.
f
^
<
*
^
i^..
IP'^
^it
^H
a
1 F^ 74.12U ci
iiiiiaiaiiir«ii
3 eToryaT'oSs^JII*
1
N
1
1
1
1
DATE DUE
STANFORD UNIVERSITY UBRARIES
STANFORD, CAUFORNIA
94305
j